Contextual Factors Influencing Firearm Deaths Occurring Among Children

Contextual factors that contribute to firearm injuries among children aged 0 to 10 are not well understood.

A retrospective review of the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System was conducted for firearm deaths of children aged 0 to 10 from 2004 to 2020. Descriptive analyses characterized child and parent demographics, incident details, firearm characteristics, and firearm use. Cluster analysis identified key clustering of contextual variables to inform prevention efforts.

Within the study timeframe, 1167 child firearm deaths were reported (Mage = 4.9; 63.2% male; 39.4% urban). At the time of the incident, 52.4% of firearms were reported unlocked and 38.5% loaded. Firearm deaths occurred primarily at the child's home (69.0%) or a friend or relative's home (15.9%), with most involving a handgun (80.6%). Children were supervised in 74.6% of incidents, and 38.4% of child supervisors were impaired during the incident. Cluster analysis identified incident contextual factors clustering in distinct groups, including unsupervised firearm play, long gun discharge while cleaning, hunting, or target shooting, supervised discharge within the child's home, murder-suicide events, deaths occurring in the context of intimate partner violence, and community violence firearm deaths.

Data highlight the importance of primary prevention through secure firearm storage to prevent child firearm deaths. Efforts focused on identifying and reducing intimate partner violence, addressing community violence (eg, community greening), and implementing policy that limit firearm access (eg, domestic violence restraining orders, background checks), may reduce child firearm deaths.