A Community Educational Intervention to Improve Firearm Safety Behaviors in Families

Authors

Elizabeth G. Choma, Elizabeth G. Choma, Clinical Assistant Professor and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, School of Nursing, George Washington University, Ashburn, VA. Electronic address: echoma@gwu.edu.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2-1-2023

Journal

Journal of pediatric health care : official publication of National Association of Pediatric Nurse Associates & Practitioners

DOI

10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.01.001

Keywords

Firearms; adolescent; child; counseling; infant

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Childhood gun-related injuries and deaths have reached levels indicative of a public health crisis in the United States. However, < 30% of gun owners report storing their firearms in the recommended manner, with many gun injuries resulting from those found in the home. By incorporating just a few questions during the primary care visit, providers may be able to protect and save lives. METHOD: The author uses an established curriculum for improving gun safety within the family and collects data on its effectiveness within a community institution. This quality improvement project included pre-post studies to measure, monitor, and evaluate an educational intervention using audience interaction. RESULTS: Although not all the findings were statistically relevant because of sample size and subject participation, the importance of the intervention and its applicability to pediatric practice is evident. DISCUSSION: Additional studies are recommended.

APA Citation

Choma, Elizabeth G., "A Community Educational Intervention to Improve Firearm Safety Behaviors in Families" (2023). GW Authored Works. Paper 2466.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/2466

Department

Nursing Faculty Publications