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Firearm purchasing and storage during the COVID-19 pandemic
Vivian H Lyons1,2, Miriam J Haviland2, Deborah Azrael3
1Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA vlyons@uw.edu.
Summary
During the COVID-19 pandemic, most new firearm purchasers bought guns for self-defense. Many new gun owners stored firearms unlocked, highlighting safety concerns.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Criminology
- Sociology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased firearm sales.
- Understanding motivations for firearm acquisition and storage is crucial for public health.
- Concerns about personal and public safety surged during the pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the motivations behind firearm purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To examine changes in firearm storage practices among new gun owners.
- To assess the relationship between COVID-19 concerns and firearm acquisition/storage.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was conducted using Amazon Mechanical Turk.
- The survey included individuals who did and did not purchase firearms since January 1, 2020.
- Data were collected on purchase motivations, storage practices, and COVID-19-related concerns.
Main Results:
- The primary motivation for firearm purchase was self-protection from people.
- Among respondents new to firearm ownership, 39.7% reported storing at least one firearm unlocked.
- Concerns for self and others due to COVID-19 were assessed.
Conclusions:
- Public health interventions should address self-defense motivations for firearm purchase.
- Improving firearm safety education and access to training is recommended for new gun owners.
- Messaging should align with the specific concerns driving firearm acquisition during health crises.
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