Study highlights gaps in firearm suicide prevention among women

Gun safety and suicide prevention strategies are crucial topics that are gaining more attention, especially when it comes to women. A recent study has revealed that nearly 4 in 10 women who died by firearm suicide did not have any known history of mental or physical health issues. This finding underscores the need for tailored prevention strategies for at-risk women.

Lead author Laura Prater, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Public Health, highlighted the concerning trend of rising suicides and increased gun ownership, particularly among women. Over the past two decades, firearm deaths in the United States have seen a nearly 50% increase, with women accounting for a larger percentage of new gun owners. This shift in demographics necessitates a reevaluation of current prevention efforts.

Traditionally, firearm suicide deaths have been more prevalent among white men, including veterans. However, the increasing rate of gun ownership and firearm suicides among women calls for a broader understanding of the contributing factors. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed over 8,300 suicides from 2014 to 2018 and found that many women did not have documented mental health treatment or known physical health diagnoses.

Prater’s research has primarily focused on interventions within healthcare settings to identify individuals at risk for self-harm. However, the study’s findings have prompted her to consider alternative approaches. She emphasized the importance of reaching out to women who may not be accessing the healthcare system, particularly those facing intimate partner problems.

Potential opportunities for prevention include engaging participants in programs for women experiencing violence, educating community health workers, and providing screenings and education at community events. Additionally, healthcare settings should prioritize discussions on gun safety and suicide prevention, given that firearms are present in a significant number of American households.

In order to address the gaps in firearm suicide prevention among women, widespread efforts to educate the public about gun safety and prevent deaths by firearm suicide are essential. By expanding prevention strategies beyond traditional healthcare settings and considering the unique needs of at-risk women, we can work towards reducing the incidence of firearm suicides among women.

The study was also conducted by researchers Jennifer Hefner and Pejmon Noghrehchi from The Ohio State University. For more information, the study was published in JAMA Network Open and can be accessed through the provided DOI link.