Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Language

English

Publication Date

11-21-2024

Journal

Injury Prevention

DOI

10.1136/ip-2023-044989

PMID

38429080

PMCID

PMC11366038

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

11-22-2024

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Abstract

Background Despite the high rates of firearm ownership and firearm-related injuries and mortalities in Southern US states, understandings on the factors contributing to these are lacking.

Methods Using wave 10 (2021) data from a longitudinal study, we examined firearm-related experiences among 636 ethnically diverse young adults (mean age=26 years; 62% female) in Texas, USA.

Results Just over half of participants had ready access to firearms, with 22.3% having carried a firearm outside of their home, 4.9% having been threatened with a firearm by a romantic partner and 4.4% by a non-romantic partner. More firearm access and carriage were reported in males, white participants and those with >US$50 000 income. More females than males had been threatened with a firearm by a romantic partner, but more males than females had been threatened by a non-partner. Participants with recent financial difficulties were proportionally more likely to be threatened with a firearm than those without difficulties.

Conclusion Findings emphasise the alarming rate of firearm access and carriage in Texas and highlight the disparities in firearms experiences by sociodemographic characteristics.

Keywords

Humans, Texas, Male, Firearms, Female, Adult, Longitudinal Studies, Young Adult, Wounds, Gunshot, Ownership, Ethnicity, Adolescent

Published Open-Access

yes

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