Social Drivers of Health and Firearm Storage Practices

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Social Epidemiology
• Firearm Injury Prevention

Background:

• Understanding the social determinants of health (SDOH) is critical for addressing firearm-related injuries.
• Unsafe firearm storage practices pose a significant public health risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine household firearm ownership and storage practices.
• To assess the association between social drivers of health (SDOH) and firearm storage.
• To identify factors associated with unsafe firearm storage among US adults.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from adults in 5 US states.
• Assessed firearm ownership and storage, categorizing practices as safest, intermediate, or unsafe.
• Used multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations with SDOH, demographics, behaviors, and state policies.

Main Results:

• Unsafe firearm storage was more common among non-Hispanic Black and lower-income households.
• Food insecurity, housing insecurity, transportation barriers, and financial hardship were significantly associated with unsafe storage.
• Binge alcohol use and life dissatisfaction were linked to increased firearm ownership and unsafe storage.

Conclusions:

• Social drivers of health and high-risk behaviors are associated with unsafe firearm storage.
• Targeted public health interventions are necessary to promote safe firearm storage practices.
• Addressing SDOH may be key to reducing firearm-related injuries.