Firearm access and storage practices among suicidal texas-based college students.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Suicidology
• Firearm Safety

Background:

• Firearm access is a critical factor in suicide lethality.
• Research on firearm access and storage among college students, especially in states permitting campus firearms, is limited.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for suicide prevention efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of firearm access among suicidal college students in Texas.
• To assess the storage conditions of firearms in households with college students.
• To identify factors associated with firearm access and storage in this population.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 489 students with suicidal ideation or attempts at a Texas public university.
• The survey collected data on suicide risk, firearm presence in the residence, and firearm storage practices.
• Statistical analyses were used to identify correlates of firearm access and storage.

Main Results:

• Over 20% of surveyed students reported firearms in their household.
• Among households with firearms, most stored at least some firearms unlocked or loaded.
• Older and married students were more likely to report household firearm access.

Conclusions:

• The findings emphasize the significance of evaluating firearm access and storage conditions in suicide risk assessments.
• This is particularly relevant in regions with higher rates of household firearm presence.
• Implementing safe storage practices and targeted interventions can aid in suicide prevention among college students.