FIREARM OWNERSHIP IN HOUSEHOLDS WITH CHILDREN

Background/Purpose: Increased morbidity and mortality rates in childre n injured by firearms has been well documented during this past decade . The aim of this study was to determine the socioeconomic factors aff ecting firearm ownership in families with children living in suburban/ rural versus inner-city environments, and to identify predictors oi fi rearm ownership in these families. Methods: Parents of children less t han 19 years old seen in a suburban (n = 751) or inner-city hospital ( n = 406) anonymously completed a questionnaire regarding firearm owner ship. Results: Firearm ownership was 54% in rural locations, versus 18 % among inner-city residents (P < .05). Firearm ownership in while hou seholds was 45% versus 20% in African-American households (P < .05). M ean number of all types of firearms in white households was 3.38 versu s 1.78 in black households (P < .001). Firearm ownership was 19% in th e less than $20,000 income bracket, significantly lower than household s with greater incomes: and was significantly lower in households in w hich parents had the least education (19.7%) versus those with college degrees (38.5%; P < .05). Firearm owners of rifles and shotguns signi ficantly more often cited hunting, collection, and target shooting as reasons for owning firearms, in contrast to revolver owners who cited protection and collection as reasons for firearm ownership (P < .05). Conclusions: Firearm ownership is higher in rural, caucasian versus in ner-city African-American residents and is significantly less in house holds with lower income and educational levels. Significant predictors for firearm ownership were number of parents in households, education al level of parents, and population of residence. Copyright (C) 1998 b y W.B. Saunders Company.