Introduction: Firearm-related unintentional and suicide death rates in adolescents are higher in rural areas. In 2020, the overall rural firearm death rate was 28% higher than the urban rate. Firearm access significantly increases the risk. The study objective was to evaluate firearm exposure and storage practices in the homes of rural adolescents. 

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous survey of attendees at the 2021 National FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Convention & Exposition. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results: A total of 3,296 adolescents 13-18 years of age participated in our survey. Overall, 87% of respondents reported having rifles/shotguns, 71% had handguns, and 69% had both rifles/shotguns and handguns in their homes. The odds of those living on farms having rifles/shotguns and handguns were 7.5 and 2 times higher, respectively, as compared to those from towns. Rifles/shotguns and handguns were stored unlocked and/or loaded at least some of the time in 63% and 64% of homes, respectively. Respondents from farms had 1.5 and 1.7 times greater odds of having rifles/shotguns and handguns stored unlocked and loaded, respectively, as compared to those from town. The South, West and Midwest had odds that were 5.9, 3.2, and 2.8 times higher for rifles/shotguns and 8.1, 5.2, and 4.3 times greater for handguns to be stored loaded and unlocked, respectively, as compared to the Northeast. Only 43% of respondents reported ammunition being locked and stored separately from firearms.

Conclusion: Most rural adolescents surveyed lived in homes with firearms, and a large proportion of those firearms were not stored safely. Firearm presence and storage differed by region and home setting. Unsafe storage practices could be contributing to the higher unintentional and suicide death rates seen in rural areas.

Introduction: Rural areas have higher rates of firearm-related unintentional and suicide deaths.  Having access to a firearm greatly increases suicide risk. Safe firearm storage can be a major factor in preventing these tragedies. In this study we evaluated firearm exposure and storage practices in rural adolescents’ homes.

Methods: An anonymous survey was administered to a convenience sample of attendees at the 2019 Iowa FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Leadership Conference. We performed descriptive, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results: A total of 1,382 adolescents participated; 51% were males and 49% were females. Respondents were 13-18 years old, and 53% lived on a farm, 18% in the country/not on a farm, and 29% in town. Almost all (96%) self-identified as White/Caucasian. In their homes, 84% reported having rifles/shotguns, 58% reported having handguns, and 56% reported having both rifles/shotguns and handguns. Males were significantly more likely than females to report having firearms in their home (P<0.001). The likelihood of having rifles/shotguns was greater if living on a farm (odds ratio (OR) 4.19, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.99-5.88) or in the country/not a farm (OR 2.74, 95% CI, 1.78-4.24) compared to those in town. Similarly, the presence of handguns in the home was increased if living on a farm compared to in town (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.32-2.18). Rifles/shotguns and handguns were stored unlocked and/or loaded at least some of the time in 62% and 58% of homes, respectively. Those who lived on farms compared to in towns were more likely to have rifles/shotguns (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.35-2.46) and handguns (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.10-2.27) stored unlocked. For homes with unlocked rifles/shotguns, 46% stored ammunition unlocked. For homes with unlocked handguns, 38% stored ammunition unlocked. Among those aware of firearm storage in their home, 82% (802/974) reported at least one firearm stored either unlocked and/or loaded at least some of the time.

Conclusion: The vast majority of rural adolescents we surveyed live in homes with firearms, and a large proportion of those firearms are not stored safely. Widespread efforts are needed to educate rural families about the importance of proper firearm and ammunition storage.