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Firearms lethal means safety among Veterans: Attitudes toward involving a concerned significant other
Bryann B DeBeer1, Monica M Matthieu2, Linda C Degutis3
1U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Aurora, Colorado, United States.
Introduction:
This quality improvement project evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of involving concerned significant others (CSOs) in lethal means safety with Veterans who had suicidal ideation or a prior suicide attempt.
Methods:
Using a mixed-methods design, dyads were recruited to participate in qualitative interviews on current practices, attitudes, and recommendations related to secure firearm storage from the Veteran and CSO perspectives. Veterans (n = 29) and their CSOs (n = 4) were individually interviewed.
Results:
A majority of Veterans (n = 25) emphasized the importance of engaging in safe firearm practices, and many indicated that they wanted to discuss firearm access openly. In addition, most Veterans (n = 26) were receptive to a CSO limiting firearm access. Although the number of participating CSOs was small, all (n = 4) indicated a willingness to securely store firearms and emphasized the importance of having direct conversations about firearm storage with Veterans.
Discussion:
Findings provide initial support for receptiveness toward a person-level intervention incorporating a CSO into firearm safety planning for Veterans at risk for suicide.
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