Bottom Line: This observational study analyzed survey data from 1,652 active-duty military personnel to examine associations between firearm ownership and storage practices with suicidal thoughts and behaviors. More than one-third (35.7%) of military personnel reported having a firearm in or around their homes, with 32.2% indicating their firearms were safely stored unloaded and locked up. Study authors report that although service members with recent thoughts about death or self-harm were less likely to report having firearms at home, safe storage practices were less common among those with a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors who had firearms. Limitations of the study include self-reported information.
Authors: Craig J. Bryan, Psy.D., A.B.P.P., University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and coauthors
(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.9160)
Editor's Note: The article includes conflict of interest and funding/support disclosures. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.
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Media advisory: To contact corresponding author Craig J. Bryan, Psy.D., A.B.P.P., email Julie Kiefer at julie.kiefer@hsc.utah.edu">julie.kiefer@hsc.utah.edu. The full study and podcast are linked to this news release.
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