Firearms lethal means safety among Veterans: Attitudes toward involving a concerned significant other

Abstract

LAY SUMMARY Firearms are the most common lethal means of suicide used by Veterans. Secure storage of firearms is linked to decreased risk for suicide. To prevent death by suicide via firearm, Veterans’ viewpoints on secure firearm storage and discussions on lethal means safety need to be understood. As part of a quality improvement project, the authors interviewed Veterans who experienced suicidal thoughts or attempts, as well as their family members or friends (designated as concerned significant others, or CSOs), to understand their views, practices, and recommendations on secure firearm storage. Overall, Veterans understood the importance of safe firearm storage practices and wanted to have open and direct conversations about secure firearm storage and mental health. The Veterans’ CSOs had similar viewpoints in that all were willing to assist with safe firearm storage in times of suicidal distress or crisis, and they would approach discussions on secure firearm storage and suicide prevention directly. Findings support the acceptability of involving a CSO in a lethal means safety intervention for Veterans who own firearms.