Perceptions of firearm-related harm among US adults living in firearm-owning households: a nationally representative study. Issue 1 (9th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rowhani-Rahbar, Ali; Haviland, Miriam Joan; Azrael, Deborah; Miller, Matthew
• Is Part Of: Injury prevention. Volume 28:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 89
• Publication Date: 2021-12-09
• Subjects: firearm -- suicide/self-harm -- violence -- behaviour change; Children's accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Accidents -- Prevention -- Periodicals; 617.1
• DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2021-044389
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8047

Abstract

Abstract : Decision-making on having firearms at home may be contingent on perceptions of the likelihood of their negative and positive outcomes. Using data from a nationally representative survey (n=4030) conducted during 30 July 2019 to 11 August 2019, we described how US adults living in firearm-owning households perceived the relative likelihood of firearm-related harm by injury intent ('accidentally harm self or someone else with a gun', 'injure self on purpose with a gun' and 'injure someone else on purpose with a gun') for groups at risk of compromised decision-making (children; adolescents and individuals with mental health issues, substance use disorders or cognitive impairment). We found that US adults living in firearm-owning households believe that unintentional firearm injuries are more likely than intentional self-inflicted or assault-related firearm injuries, despite evidence to the contrary. Prior evidence indicates that communicating risk in relative terms can motivate behaviour change; therefore, findings from this study might helpfully inform health communications around firearm safety.