Gun storage patterns in US homes with children. A pediatric practice-based survey. Pediatric Practice Research Group.

ObjectiveTo describe gun storage patterns in gun-owning families with children.DesignSurvey of parents attending participating offices.SettingTwenty-nine urban, suburban, and rural pediatric practices in Chicago, Ill; New Jersey; Houston, Tex; Utah; Georgia; Iowa; and South Carolina.SubjectsParents of children attending offices for well- or sick-child care.Selection procedureConsecutive sample of families seen during the 1-week study period. MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYSES: Logistic regression models were constructed to identify sociodemographic factors associated with keeping guns loaded.ResultsOf 5233 surveys, 1682 (32%) indicated ownership of at least one powder firearm. Of the gun-owning families, 61% reported at least one gun unlocked, and 15% reported at least one gun loaded. Rifles were more often stored unlocked (62% rifles vs 52% handguns, PConclusionsBecause most gun-owning families store guns loaded, unlocked, or both, anticipatory guidance should address gun storage in all such families. Interventions designed to alter the way work guns are dealt with after work, and to provide safe and effective means of self-protection might affect these storage patterns.