Preference Regarding Firearm Storage Education Messenger: A cross-sectional study of U.S. parents
Disciplines
Health Services Administration | Public Health Education and Promotion
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Over 4.6 million children live in homes with firearms stored unlocked and loaded, despite evidence that secure storage substantially reduces risk of firearm injuries. Various professionals (e.g., healthcare providers, law enforcement [LE]) have communicated firearm storage education, and parents' receptivity varies depending on the source of the message. The purpose of this study is to examine firearm storage education messenger preferences overall and by firearm ownership status. We administered a survey with U.S. parents (N=768) recruited through Qualtrics Panels. Parents in 3 firearm ownership categories were recruited: (1) firearm owners (n=306), (2) non-owners with a household firearm owned by someone else (n=157), and (3) non-owners without a household firearm (n=305). We asked participants to select one professional who they would most prefer to receive firearm storage information from a list of 9 options. Analyses were conducted using chi-square tests of independence (SAS 9.4; Cary, NC). Law enforcement officers were the top messenger across all ownership groups, with no significant group differences, χ²(1, N=768) =2.20, p=.138. Secondary preferences varied, with owners favoring messengers with proximity to firearms (e.g., gun shop owners over pediatricians). Specifically, 8.2% of non-owners versus 13.4% of firearm or household owners selected a gun shop owner, χ²(1, N=768) =4.94, p=.026. LE is a highly preferred source of firearm storage education among parents. Aside from LE, firearm storage messenger preference varies by ownership. This study aids in our understanding of the sources from whom parents prefer to receive firearm safety education. In line with prior research, this study supports the idea that parents prefer messengers with expertise, trustworthiness, and knowledge regarding firearms, with LE ranked highly. By identifying differences in messenger preference, this research aims to inform strategies that enhance storage practices, connect with parents, and reduce firearm injury and death among children.
Use of AI Disclaimer
no
Academic department under which the project should be listed
WCHHS – Nursing
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Melissa Osborne
Preference Regarding Firearm Storage Education Messenger: A cross-sectional study of U.S. parents
Over 4.6 million children live in homes with firearms stored unlocked and loaded, despite evidence that secure storage substantially reduces risk of firearm injuries. Various professionals (e.g., healthcare providers, law enforcement [LE]) have communicated firearm storage education, and parents' receptivity varies depending on the source of the message. The purpose of this study is to examine firearm storage education messenger preferences overall and by firearm ownership status. We administered a survey with U.S. parents (N=768) recruited through Qualtrics Panels. Parents in 3 firearm ownership categories were recruited: (1) firearm owners (n=306), (2) non-owners with a household firearm owned by someone else (n=157), and (3) non-owners without a household firearm (n=305). We asked participants to select one professional who they would most prefer to receive firearm storage information from a list of 9 options. Analyses were conducted using chi-square tests of independence (SAS 9.4; Cary, NC). Law enforcement officers were the top messenger across all ownership groups, with no significant group differences, χ²(1, N=768) =2.20, p=.138. Secondary preferences varied, with owners favoring messengers with proximity to firearms (e.g., gun shop owners over pediatricians). Specifically, 8.2% of non-owners versus 13.4% of firearm or household owners selected a gun shop owner, χ²(1, N=768) =4.94, p=.026. LE is a highly preferred source of firearm storage education among parents. Aside from LE, firearm storage messenger preference varies by ownership. This study aids in our understanding of the sources from whom parents prefer to receive firearm safety education. In line with prior research, this study supports the idea that parents prefer messengers with expertise, trustworthiness, and knowledge regarding firearms, with LE ranked highly. By identifying differences in messenger preference, this research aims to inform strategies that enhance storage practices, connect with parents, and reduce firearm injury and death among children.