Perceived Benefits and Risks of Keeping Firearms in and Around the Home: Results From a Nationally Representative Survey.

IF 4.3 2区医学 Q1 MEDICINE, GENERAL & INTERNAL

American Journal of Preventive Medicine Pub Date : 2025-02-07 DOI:10.1016/j.amepre.2025.01.012

Michael D Anestis, Kimberly Burke, Allison E Bond, Sultan Altikriti, Daniel C Semenza

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to characterize the extent to which individuals perceive value and risk from firearm access and to what extent these perceptions vary across subpopulations.

Methods: A nationally representative sample (n=8,009) recruited from Ipsos KnowledgePanel completed an online survey May 15 to May 28, 2024. Data were analyzed in 2024.

Results: Most (63.2%) individuals believe firearms increase safety in the case of home invasions. With respect to suicide risk, the most common response is that firearm access has no impact (36.3%). Those who perceive greater protective value from firearms tended to perceive less of an association with suicide risk. Individuals endorsing conspiratorial beliefs and those who report typically storing firearms loaded and unlocked perceived more protective value and less suicide risk. Those with prior gun violence exposure perceived greater protective value but did not differ on levels of perceived suicide risk.

Conclusions: U.S. residents may overstate the protective value of firearms while discounting risk. Certain groups, including those susceptible to conspiratorial beliefs, appear prone to these skewed perceptions. An imbalance in the available information on the risks and benefits of firearm access may perpetuate risky behaviors.

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来源期刊

American Journal of Preventive Medicine 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生

CiteScore

8.60

自引率

1.80%

发文量

395

审稿时长

32 days

期刊介绍： The American Journal of Preventive Medicine is the official journal of the American College of Preventive Medicine and the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research. It publishes articles in the areas of prevention research, teaching, practice and policy. Original research is published on interventions aimed at the prevention of chronic and acute disease and the promotion of individual and community health. Of particular emphasis are papers that address the primary and secondary prevention of important clinical, behavioral and public health issues such as injury and violence, infectious disease, women''s health, smoking, sedentary behaviors and physical activity, nutrition, diabetes, obesity, and substance use disorders. Papers also address educational initiatives aimed at improving the ability of health professionals to provide effective clinical prevention and public health services. Papers on health services research pertinent to prevention and public health are also published. The journal also publishes official policy statements from the two co-sponsoring organizations, review articles, media reviews, and editorials. Finally, the journal periodically publishes supplements and special theme issues devoted to areas of current interest to the prevention community.