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Gun control and suicide in Ontario
1Department of Sociology, University of Waterloo, Ont., Canada.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|April 1, 1994
Summary
The 1978 Canadian gun control law coincided with a reduction in firearm suicide rates in Ontario. Researchers observed no increase in non-firearm suicides, suggesting the law may have contributed to lower overall suicide rates.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Criminology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Firearm availability is a significant factor in suicide rates.
- Understanding the impact of legislative changes on public health outcomes is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of Canada's 1978 gun control legislation on suicide rates in Ontario.
- To determine if the law led to a decrease in firearm-related suicides and assess potential method substitution.
Main Methods:
- A comparative analysis of firearm and non-firearm suicide rates in Ontario.
- Data from pre-legislation (1965-1977) and post-legislation (1979-1989) periods were examined.
Main Results:
- A notable decrease in the level and trend of firearm suicide rates was observed post-legislation.
- Total suicide rates also decreased, with no evidence of individuals substituting other methods for firearms.
- The observed decreases may be partially attributable to the gun control law.
Conclusions:
- The 1978 Canadian gun control law appears to be associated with a reduction in firearm suicides in Ontario.
- The legislation did not lead to an increase in suicide by other means, indicating a potential public health benefit.