Firearm violence and policy in the United States: A survey study on the perspectives of hand surgeons

Q2 Medicine

Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma Pub Date : 2025-04-24 DOI:10.1016/j.jcot.2024.102878

Michael M. Vosbikian, Kiauntee Murray, Dominick V. Congiusta, Irfan H. Ahmed

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Abstract

Purpose

Firearm ownership and gun control are subjects of great contention. As healthcare professionals responsible for treating firearm-related injuries, the opinions of hand surgeons are particularly relevant. The aim of this study is to determine the association between exposure to gun violence and opinions regarding gun control or the role of the surgeon in the gun control debate and if gun ownership status correlates with these opinions.

Methods

A survey comprised of 24 multiple-choice and free text questions was distributed to the email database of the ASSH. The survey identified factors related to surgeon's practices, such as practice setting, location, and training background. Questions regarding surgeons' experiences with firearms and opinions on the responsibility of surgeons to take part in policymaking were assessed. Chi square, Kendall, binary logistic, and ordinal regression analyses were conducted as appropriate.

Results

A total of 578 responses were received. Approximately 17 % of respondents reported treating firearm injuries frequently (several times per month). The majority of respondents report feeling comfortable with treating such injuries.

Disagreement with current gun policies was found in half of respondents. The majority of surgeons feel that they do not have a responsibility to be involved in the gun control debate. Firearm ownership was positively associated with belief in the second amendment as a basic right, acceptable recreational gun use, the belief that guns create a safer home, and the belief that adequate resources are available. Years of practice and comfort in treating firearm-related injuries were not associated with any response.

Conclusions

These objective findings may better inform on the opinions of healthcare professionals directly involved in the treatment of firearm injuries. Awareness of the origins of opinions on both sides of the debate are critical to fostering productive conversations.

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美国枪支暴力与政策：手外科医生视角的调查研究

枪支所有权和枪支管制是争论的焦点。作为负责治疗枪支相关伤害的医疗保健专业人员，手外科医生的意见尤为重要。本研究的目的是确定接触枪支暴力与枪支管制意见或外科医生在枪支管制辩论中的作用之间的联系，以及枪支持有状况是否与这些意见相关。方法调查问卷由24道选择题和自由文本题组成。调查确定了与外科医生实践相关的因素，如实践环境、地点和培训背景。评估了关于外科医生使用枪支的经验和关于外科医生参与决策责任的意见的问题。适当时进行卡方、肯德尔、二元逻辑和有序回归分析。结果共收到回复578份。大约17%的受访者表示经常治疗火器伤害（每月几次）。大多数受访者表示，他们对治疗这种伤害感到放心。一半的受访者不同意当前的枪支政策。大多数外科医生认为，他们没有责任参与枪支管制的辩论。拥有枪支的人相信第二修正案是一项基本权利、可以接受的休闲枪支使用、相信枪支能创造一个更安全的家庭，以及相信有足够的资源可用，这些都与枪支所有权呈正相关。多年来在治疗枪支相关伤害方面的实践和舒适与任何反应无关。结论这些客观发现可以更好地为直接参与枪支伤害治疗的医护人员提供意见。了解辩论双方观点的来源对于促进富有成效的对话至关重要。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma Medicine-Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

CiteScore

4.30

自引率

0.00%

发文量

181

审稿时长

92 days

期刊介绍： Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma (JCOT) aims to provide its readers with the latest clinical and basic research, and informed opinions that shape today''s orthopedic practice, thereby providing an opportunity to practice evidence-based medicine. With contributions from leading clinicians and researchers around the world, we aim to be the premier journal providing an international perspective advancing knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. JCOT publishes content of value to both general orthopedic practitioners and specialists on all aspects of musculoskeletal research, diagnoses, and treatment. We accept following types of articles: • Original articles focusing on current clinical issues. • Review articles with learning value for professionals as well as students. • Research articles providing the latest in basic biological or engineering research on musculoskeletal diseases. • Regular columns by experts discussing issues affecting the field of orthopedics. • "Symposia" devoted to a single topic offering the general reader an overview of a field, but providing the specialist current in-depth information. • Video of any orthopedic surgery which is innovative and adds to present concepts. • Articles emphasizing or demonstrating a new clinical sign in the art of patient examination is also considered for publication. Contributions from anywhere in the world are welcome and considered on their merits.