Safety Program for Gunshot Wound Prevention
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a firearm safety strategy for families with children in rural areas, focusing on improving firearm storage at home. The study compares a group receiving the "Store Safely" intervention with a waitlist control group that initially receives only general safety information. Families with children under 18, living in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and owning a firearm may be suitable participants. Participants need access to a computer or mobile device with internet to complete surveys. As an unphased trial, this study allows families to contribute to important safety research that could benefit their community.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What prior data suggests that this firearm safety prevention strategy is safe for families with children?
Research has shown that safe gun storage can greatly reduce gun-related injuries and deaths. Experts and public health advocates strongly support this practice. Secure firearm storage prevents accidental shootings, suicides, and thefts, protecting both children and adults.
Although specific data on the "Store Safely" program is limited, the concept of safe gun storage is widely supported for its safety benefits. Many public health organizations provide resources and guidelines on how to store guns safely. While specific safety data for "Store Safely" is lacking, the principles it follows are well-regarded for improving safety and preventing harm.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the "Store Safely" program because it aims to prevent gunshot wounds using a community-based approach that emphasizes safe storage practices. Unlike traditional methods that primarily focus on medical treatment after an injury occurs, this intervention seeks to prevent injuries by encouraging responsible firearm storage. The program is unique because it combines educational resources with community support, providing not just information but also direct access to safe storage resources and crisis support. This proactive strategy has the potential to reduce gun-related incidents by addressing the root cause, rather than just the aftermath.
What evidence suggests that the Store Safely intervention is effective for improving household firearm storage?
Research has shown that safe firearm storage can reduce gun-related injuries and deaths. One study found that distributing safe storage devices and providing instruction improved storage habits. Another study highlighted that firearm injuries are a leading cause of death among young people, and proper gun storage can help prevent these tragedies. Programs like Project Safe Guard have successfully encouraged secure firearm storage in certain communities. In this trial, the Store Safely program is being tested as an intervention to positively influence how families store guns, making homes safer. Participants in the waitlist control group will not receive the intervention during the clinical trial but will have access to it afterward.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Cynthia Ewell Foster, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for families with at least one child under 18, living in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, who own firearms and have the means to complete surveys online. Participants must speak English and not have been part of a similar study in 2020.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
The Store Safely arm receives the Store Safely intervention and usual community-based care
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Store Safely
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Michigan
Lead Sponsor
Marquette County Health Department
Collaborator
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Collaborator