Gender Differences in the Association of Trauma Exposure and Firearm Availability Among Active Duty Servicemembers and Military Retirees

Introduction: This study examines the relationship between traumatic experiences and firearm availability, a known suicide risk factor, for both male and female active duty servicemembers and military retirees in the United States. Availability of firearms was predicted to differ by gender, with male servicemembers having elevated rates of firearm availability compared to female servicemembers. It was also expected that experiences of trauma would be associated with higher availability of firearms in both male and female servicemembers and military retirees. Methods: Survey respondents included 1,869 active-duty and military retiree participants recruited from six different primary care clinics located within various military treatment facilities. Analyses compared associations among trauma exposure, firearm availability, and gender. Results: Both male and female servicemembers and retirees reported elevated rates of firearm availability, with men reporting the highest rates of available firearms. There was a significant interaction between gender and firearm availability on trauma type; men with available firearms reported elevated levels of directly experienced trauma. When controlling for covariates, men with available firearms reported highest levels of “happened to me” trauma exposure for fire and explosion and sudden violent death. Discussion: Men who positively endorse firearm availability have the highest rates of directly experienced traumatic events among active duty military personnel and retirees. Firearm availability, trauma exposure, and perceptions of safety for both genders are discussed.