@article{ref1,
title="A multi-state evaluation of the association between mental health and firearm storage practices",
journal="Preventive medicine",
year="2021",
author="Horn, Dara L. and Butler, Elissa K. and Stahl, Jessica L. and Rowhani-Rahbar, Ali and Littman, Alyson J.",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="Firearm storage method is a potentially modifiable risk factor for suicide. Using data from a large, multi-state survey, we sought to determine whether there is an  association between mental health and household firearm storage practices, and  characterize that association by state of residence. Participants who endorsed the  presence of a household firearm and answered the mental health questions in the  2016-2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from eight states were included  (n=26,949). Exposures were recent poor mental health (≥14 vs. 0-13 days/past month),  and diagnosis of depression. Outcomes were household firearm storage practices  (loaded, and both loaded and unlocked). Using Poisson regression, we calculated  adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) overall and stratified by state of residence. Of  adults endorsing a household firearm, 35.1% reported storing a firearm loaded, and  of those, 53.4% reported that the firearm was both loaded and unlocked. Neither  recent poor mental health nor depression was associated with loaded (aPR 1.14 [95%  CI: 0.95-1.37] and aPR 0.94 [95% CI 0.80-1.09], respectively) or loaded and unlocked  (aPR 1.08 [95% CI 0.88-1.42] and aPR 1.04 [95% CI 0.88-1.22], respectively) firearm  storage. In the setting of highly prevalent loaded firearm storage, no differences  in storage practices by mental health indicators were observed across eight states  despite disparate firearm policies and local culture. The lack of difference in  storage practices by mental health indicators across several states highlights an  opportunity to improve means safety counseling practices, and the need for dedicated  evaluation of state-level firearm storage policies.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0091-7435",
doi="10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106389",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106389"
}