Study Shows Nearly 22% of U.S. Firearm Suicides Occur Outside the Home, Mainly in Vehicles
New findings reveal nearly 22% of firearm suicides in the U.S. occur outside the home, primarily in motor vehicles, underscoring the need for broadened prevention strategies.
Recent research indicates that a significant portion of firearm suicides in the United States happen outside residential settings, with motor vehicles being the most common location. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, analyzed data from 2003 to 2021 using the CDC's National Violent Death Reporting System, encompassing 172,779 suicide cases. It found that 21.9% of firearm suicides occurred in public spaces, particularly in cars, accounting for 27.3% of such incidents.
Demographic analysis revealed that males and certain racial groups are more likely to die by firearm suicide outside the home. Specifically, 22.8% of male decedents and those identified as Asian, Pacific Islander, or Black experienced suicides outside the home, compared to 16.9% of females and lower percentages among white decedents. Geographic differences also emerged, with the lowest proportion in the South (18.8%) and the highest in the West (25.1%).
Experts emphasize that this finding expands the scope for suicide prevention efforts, highlighting the importance for clinicians, public health officials, and policymakers to consider interventions not only within homes but also in outdoor and public settings. Addressing these varied locations could improve strategies aimed at reducing firearm-related suicides across diverse populations.
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