Prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storage practices in the 50 states and the District of Columbia: findings from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2002

Author: Okoro, C. A. / Nelson, D. E. / Mercy, J. A. / Balluz, L. S. / Crosby, A. E. / Mokdad, A. H.
Publication: Pediatrics
Link to Published Abstract
Topics: Age Group Storage Surveillance/Data Collection U.S./National
Keywords: Adults Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Children Household firearms Storage
Bibliographic information +

Data from the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed in order to examine the prevalence of household firearms and firearm-storages practices in the U.S. The data were also used to estimate the number of children exposed to unsafe storage practices. Nationally, 32.6% of adults reported that firearms were kept in or around their home. Findings indicate that approximately 1.69 million children and youth in the U.S. are living with loaded and unlocked household firearms.