Citation

Marinelli LW, Thaker S, Borrup K, Shapiro DS, Bentley GC, Saleheen H, Lapidus G, Campbell BT. Conn. Med. 2013; 77(8): 453-459.

Affiliation

University of Connecticut School of Medicine, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Connecticut State Medical Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

24156172

Abstract

Gun buy-back programs have been proposed as away to remove unwanted firearms from circulation, but remain controversial because their ability to prevent firearm injuries remains unproven. The purpose of this study is to describe the demographics of individuals participating in Connecticut's gun buy-back program in the context of annual gun sales and the epidemiology of firearm violence in the state. Over four years the buy-back program collected 464 firearms, including 232 handguns. In contrast, 91,602 firearms were sold in Connecticut during 2009 alone. The incidence of gun-related deaths was unchanged in the two years following the inception of the buy-back program. Suicide was associated with older age (mean = 51 +/- 18years) and Caucasian race (n = 539, 90%). Homicide was associated with younger age (mean = 30 +/- 12 years) and minority race (n = 425, 81%). A gun buy-back program alone is not likely to produce a measurable decrease in firearm injuries and deaths.

Language: en