Women’s Firearm Suicide Study Highlights Need for Tailored Prevention Strategies
A recent study has revealed that nearly 40% of women who died by firearm suicide did not have any documented history of mental or physical health problems. This finding underscores the importance of developing prevention strategies specifically tailored to at-risk women.
Lead author Laura Prater, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University College of Public Health, emphasized the need for targeted interventions in light of the rising suicide rates and increased gun ownership, particularly among women. Over the past two decades, firearm-related deaths in the United States have surged by almost 50%, with women accounting for a larger proportion of new gun owners.
Prater pointed out the correlation between the presence of guns in households and the higher incidence of suicides among residents. While previous research and interventions have primarily focused on firearm suicide among white men, including veterans, the growing trend among women necessitates a deeper understanding of the contributing factors for effective prevention strategies.
The study, which analyzed over 8,300 suicides from 2014 to 2018, revealed that less than one-third of the women had received mental health treatment, and only about one-fifth had known physical health diagnoses. This gap in healthcare access highlights the need for alternative avenues for identifying and supporting women at risk of self-harm.
Prater’s research has traditionally centered on interventions within healthcare settings, but the new data has prompted her to explore additional approaches. She emphasized the importance of reaching out to at-risk women who may not be accessing the healthcare system, especially those facing intimate partner problems. Community-based programs, educational initiatives, and proactive screenings at gatherings for women could offer valuable opportunities for intervention.
Furthermore, Prater stressed the significance of incorporating gun safety education and suicide prevention discussions into all healthcare settings, including federally qualified health centers. With firearms present in a significant number of American homes, widespread efforts to raise awareness about gun safety and prevent firearm-related suicides are essential.
Collaborating on the study were Jennifer Hefner and Pejmon Noghrehchi from Ohio State University. The research findings have been published in JAMA Network Open, providing valuable insights into the mental and physical health-related risk factors among females who died by firearm suicide.
As the study sheds light on the gaps in firearm suicide prevention among women, it underscores the urgency of implementing targeted strategies to address this growing public health concern. By expanding the scope of interventions beyond traditional healthcare settings and engaging with at-risk women through various community-based initiatives, we can work towards reducing firearm-related suicides and promoting mental health and well-being among women.
