Youth firearm suicide: Precipitating/risk factors and gun access

Abstract

Using 2005–2014 National Violent Death Reporting System data, we examined firearm suicides among youth (age<21years; N=3116). Rates of firearm versus other suicide means were consistent during the study period. Young firearm suicide decedents were less likely than those who used other means to have been identified as having mental health problems, and in the case of males, to have had a history of suicide attempt or suicide intent disclosure. The odds of firearm use versus other means were higher in the Midwest, South, and West than in the Northeast Census region. Firearm ownership information was missing for two-thirds of the cases. Among those cases with ownership information, nearly two-thirds used guns that belonged to parents or other family members. Coroner/medical examiner or law enforcement reports described how easily these victims accessed the gun used.