NCJ Number
143333
Journal
Pediatrics Dated: (1992) Pages: 908-914
Date Published
1992
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Data from parents who brought their children to three pediatric practices in Maryland gathered information regarding parents' beliefs about preventing gun injuries to children.
Abstract
The information was gathered by means of questionnaires and focus group discussions. Results revealed that gun ownership ranged from 27 percent in the suburban practice to 53 percent in the rural practice. Unrealistic perceptions of children's capabilities and behavioral tendencies with regard to guns were common among gun owners. Half of all gun-owning parents believed that active strategies (e.g., education and supervision) were the best method of preventing gun injuries to children older than age 12. Nearly all gun owners indicated a willingness to follow their pediatrician's advice about gun storage, but only 19 percent of the mothers and 10 percent of the fathers said that they would follow advice to remove guns from the home. Results suggested that pediatricians will be most effective if they recommend passive strategies (e.g., removing guns from the home or storing guns unloaded and unlocked) on the basis of children's developmental capabilities and behavioral tendencies. They should also make their recommendations part of general counseling about child safety. Figures, tables, and 25 references