Understanding caregiver preferences for firearm locking devices in a pediatric emergency department.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Around 40% of US households with children have a firearm kept in the home. This study sought to describe firearm storage practices and locking device preferences among caregivers of children presenting to a pediatric emergency department (ED).

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of caregivers of children presenting to a pediatric ED who endorsed having a firearm in the home from August 2023 to May 2024. A self-administered electronic survey inquired about current firearm storage practices and locking device preferences. Caregivers who endorsed any unsafe firearm storage practice (i.e., firearm stored unlocked, loaded, and/or with ammunition) were offered, based on their preference, a free cable gun lock, lock box, or gun safe along with safe firearm stor

SUBMITTER: Lennon T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11869430 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature