Addressing the Gaps in Firearm Suicide Prevention Among Women

A recent study sheds light on significant gaps in efforts to prevent firearm-related suicides among women. The research highlights that nearly 40% of women who died by firearm suicide had no documented history of mental or physical health issues, underscoring the need for targeted prevention strategies for this group.

This investigation comes at a time when suicide rates are climbing, coinciding with a notable rise in gun ownership, particularly among women. Over the past two decades, firearm deaths, including suicides, have increased by nearly 50% in the United States. Women, traditionally accounting for 10-20% of new gun owners, saw this figure surge to about 50% in 2020, contributing to the rising trend in firearm suicides.

Lead researcher Laura Prater, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Public Health, emphasized that the widespread presence of firearms in homes correlates with higher suicide risks across household members. Historically, firearm suicide deaths have been more prevalent among white men, including veterans, which has driven most prevention efforts. However, with increasing firearm access and suicide incidents among women, understanding the factors contributing to their vulnerability has become crucial.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed over 8,300 suicides from 2014 to 2018. It found that less than one-third of women who died by firearm suicide had any recorded mental health treatment, and only about one-fifth had known physical health diagnoses—indicating limited opportunities for intervention through healthcare alone.

Prater’s work primarily focuses on interventions within hospitals and healthcare environments, where risk identification and care linkage are vital. Still, she advocates for broader approaches, especially for women who may not regularly access healthcare services. She suggests outreach initiatives targeting women involved in programs for domestic violence, community health education, and screenings at social gatherings.

Furthermore, all healthcare settings, including federally qualified health centers, should promote open discussions about gun safety and risk factors. With firearms present in at least one-third of American homes, widespread education on gun safety and suicide prevention is essential.

The study’s authors, including Jennifer Hefner and Pejmon Noghrehchi, highlight that a comprehensive, multi-layered approach involving community outreach, healthcare provider engagement, and public education is key to closing this prevention gap among women.

Source: Medical Xpress