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Mixed Impact of Firearms Restrictions on Fatal Firearm Injuries in Males: A National Observational Study

Author

Listed:
  • Finn Gjertsen

    (Department of Psychosomatics and Health Behavior, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway)

  • Antoon Leenaars

    (Psychologist in Private Practice, 1500 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, ON, N8X 1K7, Canada)

  • Margarete E. Vollrath

    (Department of Psychosomatics and Health Behavior, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404 Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway
    Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1094 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway)

Abstract

Introduction : Public health organizations have recommended restricted access and safe storage practices as means to reduce firearm injuries and deaths. We aimed to assess the effect of four firearm restrictions on firearm deaths in Norway 1969–2009. Methods : All deaths due to firearm discharge were included (5,660 deaths, both sexes). The statistical analysis to assess impact of firearm legislations was restricted to males because of the sex disproportionality (94% were males). Results : A total of 89% of firearm deaths (both sexes) were classified as suicide, 8% as homicide, and 3% as unintentional (accident). During the past four decades, male accidental firearm death rates were reduced significantly by 90%. Male firearms suicide rates increased from 1969 to 1991 by 166%, and decreased by 62% from 1991 to 2009. Despite the great reduction in male accidental firearm deaths, we were unable to demonstrate effects of the laws. In contrast, we found that a 1990 regulation, requiring a police permit before acquiring a shotgun, had a beneficial impact on suicide in the total sample and in those aged 15–34 years. Male firearm homicides decreased post-2003 regulation regarding storing home guard weapons in private homes. Conclusions : Our findings suggest that two laws could have contributed to reduce male firearm mortality. It is, however, a challenge to measure the role of four firearm restrictions. The null findings are inconclusive, as they may reflect no true impact or study limitations.

Suggested Citation

  • Finn Gjertsen & Antoon Leenaars & Margarete E. Vollrath, 2013. "Mixed Impact of Firearms Restrictions on Fatal Firearm Injuries in Males: A National Observational Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2013:i:1:p:487-506:d:31749
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ajdacic-Gross, V. & Killias, M. & Hepp, U. & Gadola, E. & Bopp, M. & Lauber, C. & Schnyder, U. & Gutzwiller, F. & Rössler, W., 2006. "Changing times: A longitudinal analysis of international firearm suicide data," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(10), pages 1752-1755.
    2. Baker, J & McPhedran, S, 2007. "Gun laws and sudden death: Did the Australian firearms legislation of 1996 make a difference?," MPRA Paper 40534, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    3. Cole, T.B. & Patetta, M.J., 1988. "Hunting firearm injuries, North Carolina," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 78(12), pages 1585-1586.
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