Pediatricians may be able to have effective conversations about gun safety by avoiding direct questioning about firearm ownership and extending the discussion about why and how to ensure safe storage of firearms to all parents, suggests a study published Wednesday in the Journal of Pediatrics.
The study, conducted between March 23, 2015, and May 21, 2015, is based on a survey of 1,246 parents at 13 participating practices in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Parents completed the survey during a pediatric office visit.
Here are seven survey findings.
1. Thirty-six percent of parents reported a firearm was in the child's home. Of these, 66.2 percent reported owning more than one firearm.
2. An additional 14.3 percent of parents surveyed who reported no household firearms, reported firearms in homes of relatives or friends where their child regularly visited, the study found.
3. Among the 447 firearm owners, 21.6 percent did not keep their firearms and ammunition in separate locations, and 25.1 percent reported at least one firearm was currently loaded.
4. The survey showed 66 percent of parents thought pediatricians should ask about the presence of household firearms, and 23.2 percent disagreed. More than 10 percent of respondents were uncertain.
5. However, 75 percent of parents surveyed believe the pediatrician should advise about safe storage of firearms, and 16.9 percent disagreed. More than 8 percent were uncertain.
6. Twenty-two percent of firearm owners said they would ignore advice to not have household firearms for safety reasons, and 13.9 percent would be offended by such advice.
7. Only 12.8 percent of all parents reported a discussion about firearms with the pediatrician.