Development and Evaluation of a Web-Based Family-Centered Decision Support Tool About Firearm Storage

Background Many youth in the USA have access to a loaded and unlocked firearm in their home. Discussions between adult family members have the potential to positively influence firearm storage. Purpose Work with firearm-owning parents to develop and obtain preliminary data about the efficacy of a family-centered decision support tool about firearm storage. Methods We adapted the Ottawa Personal Decision Guide for Two to the issue of firearm storage, producing the Family Safety Check-In. Subsequently, we evaluated its acceptability and impact on intentions to make a plan with their partner (or other adult sharing parental duties) about safer firearm storage. Participants were parents/guardians of at least one school-aged child, had firearms in their home, and resided in the USA (n = 402). They completed a web-based pre-test survey, were randomized to the Family Safety Check-In or an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) informational resource about firearm storage for families, and then completed a post-test survey. Results The Family Safety Check-In had higher ratings for acceptability (B = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.58–1.90) and appropriateness (B = 1.46, 95% CI = 0.72–2.19) than the AAP resource. Participants in the Family Safety Check-In condition also had greater intentions to make a plan with their partner about storing firearms more safely (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.26–2.87). Conclusions The Family Safety Check-In is a promising direction for harm reduction that warrants further evaluation.