The Association Between Repealing the 48-Hour Mandatory Waiting Period on Handgun Purchases and Suicide Rates in Wisconsin

Abstract

Importance Suicide is a significant public health burden in the United States. There is little understanding how policies regarding gun purchasing affects suicide rates. Wisconsin state legislature rescinded a 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases, which took effect in June 2015. Objective To determine whether firearm-related suicide increased with the repeal of the 48-hour waiting period for handgun purchases in 2015. Method We obtained data through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services via the Wisconsin Interactive Statistics on Health Query System. Suicide rates were compared by Comparative Mortality Figures (CMF). Results We reviewed all suicides in Wisconsin between 2012–2014 and 2016–2018. The rate ratios (R) and second generation P values (pδ) comparing deaths between 2012–2014 and 2016–2018 indicate significant increases in firearm-related suicide among people of color (R = 1.927; pδ = 0.0) and among Wisconsinites residing in urban counties (R = 1.379, pδ = 0.0). There was no significant increase in non-firearm-related suicide (R = 1.117, pδ = 0.092), nor in firearm-related suicide among White non-Hispanics (R = 1.107, pδ = 0.164) or Wisconsinites residing in rural counties (R = 1.085, pδ = 0.500). Conclusion Our findings suggest that the repeal of the 48-hour waiting period on handgun purchases in 2015 is correlated with the increase of firearm-related suicides among Wisconsin residents of color and Wisconsinites residing in urban counties. Key Messages: Firearm policies are associated with changes in suicide rates.