Gun Access and Safety Practices among Older Adults
Joint Authors
Lum, Hillary D.
Flaten, Hanna K.
Betz, Marian E.
Source
Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research
Issue
Vol. 2016, Issue 2016 (31 Dec. 2016), pp.1-5, 5 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2016-02-02
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
5
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Given high rates of gun ownership among older adults, geriatric providers can assess firearm safety practices using a “5 Ls” approach: Locked; Loaded; Little children; feeling Low; and Learned owner.
This study describes gun access and the “5 Ls” among US older adults.
Methods.
Data on the “5 Ls” from the Second Injury Control and Risk Survey (ICARIS-2), a national telephone survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, were analyzed.
Weighted variables were used to generate national estimates regarding prevalence of gun ownership and associated gun safety among older adults (≥55 years).
Results.
Of 2939 older adults, 39% (95% CI 37%–42%) reported ≥1 gun stored at home.
Among those with guns at home, 21% (95% CI 18–24%) stored guns loaded and unlocked; 9.2% (95% CI 6.6–12%) had ≥1 child in household; 5.1% (95% CI 3.5–6.8%) reported past-year suicidal ideation and 3.6% (95% CI 2.1–5.2%) reported history of a suicide attempt; and 55% (95% CI 51–59%) stated that ≥1 adult had attended firearm safety workshop.
Conclusion.
Some older adults may be at elevated risk of firearm injury because of storage practices, suicidal thoughts, or limited safety training.
Future work should assess effective approaches to reduce the risk of gun-related injuries among older adults.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Lum, Hillary D.& Flaten, Hanna K.& Betz, Marian E.. 2016. Gun Access and Safety Practices among Older Adults. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research،Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1099560
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Lum, Hillary D.…[et al.]. Gun Access and Safety Practices among Older Adults. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research No. 2016 (2016), pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1099560
American Medical Association (AMA)
Lum, Hillary D.& Flaten, Hanna K.& Betz, Marian E.. Gun Access and Safety Practices among Older Adults. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research. 2016. Vol. 2016, no. 2016, pp.1-5.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1099560
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1099560