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Research ArticleOriginal Article

Improving Firearm Storage Habits: Impact of Brief Office Counseling by Family Physicians

Teresa L. Albright and Sandra K. Burge
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice January 2003, 16 (1) 40-46; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.16.1.40
Teresa L. Albright
MD
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Sandra K. Burge
PhD
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Abstract

Background: Firearm injury is the leading cause of injury-related death among youth and second leading cause of injury-related death overall in the United States. Our objective is to determine the impact of brief office counseling by family physicians on patients’ firearm storage habits.

Methods: Of the 1,233 patients who completed the enrollment questionnaire, 156 (13%) reported they had guns in their household and agreed to participate in the study. Postintervention survey instruments were completed by 127 (81%) of participants. Participants received either no counseling, verbal counseling alone, or counseling and a gun safety brochure from their physician. Firearm storage habits were measured at baseline and 60 to 90 days after intervention.

Results: At the postintervention interview, 64% of the group receiving verbal counseling and 58% of the group receiving verbal counseling plus written information made a safe change in gun storage compared with 33% of participants in the no-intervention group (P =. 02). A logistic regression model controlling for demographics and gun ownership showed that compared with the no-intervention group, intervention participants were three times more likely to make safe changes.

Conclusions: Family physicians’ brief counseling efforts made a significant positive impact in the firearm storage habits of their patients. With a verbal or written recommendation, a significant improvement was observed in firearm storage.

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The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice: 16 (1)
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
Vol. 16, Issue 1
1 Jan 2003
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Improving Firearm Storage Habits: Impact of Brief Office Counseling by Family Physicians
Teresa L. Albright, Sandra K. Burge
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice Jan 2003, 16 (1) 40-46; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.16.1.40

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Improving Firearm Storage Habits: Impact of Brief Office Counseling by Family Physicians
Teresa L. Albright, Sandra K. Burge
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice Jan 2003, 16 (1) 40-46; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.16.1.40
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