@article{ref1,
title="Firearm ownership and violent crime in the U.S.: an ecologic study",
journal="American journal of preventive medicine",
year="2015",
author="Monuteaux, Michael C. and Lee, Lois K. and Hemenway, David A. and Mannix, Rebekah and Fleegler, Eric W.",
volume="49",
number="2",
pages="207-214",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: Although some view the ownership of firearms as a deterrent to crime, the relationship between population-level firearm ownership rates and violent criminal perpetration is unclear. The purpose of this study is to test the association between state-level firearm ownership and violent crime. <br><br>METHODS: State-level rates of household firearm ownership and annual rates of criminal acts from 2001, 2002, and 2004 were analyzed in 2014. Firearm ownership rates were taken from a national survey and crime data were taken from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Uniform Crime Reports. Rates of criminal behavior were estimated as a function of household gun ownership using negative binomial regression models, controlling for several demographic factors. <br><br>RESULTS: Higher levels of firearm ownership were associated with higher levels of firearm assault and firearm robbery. There was also a significant association between firearm ownership and firearm homicide, as well as overall homicide. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The findings do not support the hypothesis that higher population firearm ownership rates reduce firearm-associated criminal perpetration. On the contrary, evidence shows that states with higher levels of firearm ownership have an increased risk for violent crimes perpetrated with a firearm. Public health stakeholders should consider the outcomes associated with private firearm ownership.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0749-3797",
doi="10.1016/j.amepre.2015.02.008",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amepre.2015.02.008"
}