Access to Firearms among Orange County Youth: A School-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Adolescent Health
• Firearm Violence Prevention

Background:

• School-associated firearm violence is a significant national concern.
• Understanding firearm accessibility and safety knowledge among students is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess firearm accessibility among middle and high school students.
• To determine methods of firearm access and firearm safety knowledge.
• To investigate firearm accessibility in Orange County, California.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 176 students in grades 6-12 across four schools.
• Data collection occurred over 12 months, beginning February 2003.
• Analysis included proportions and cross-tabulations to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

• 43% of students reported access to a gun, often from home, friends, or relatives.
• 26.7% of students had previously fired a gun; non-Hispanic males were more likely to have done so.
• 62% received firearm safety education from parents; 1.1% had considered using a gun at school.

Conclusions:

• A substantial proportion of students have access to firearms.
• Firearm education, safety training, and counseling are essential for protecting school-aged youth.
• Addressing firearm accessibility and promoting safety knowledge are critical public health priorities.