Rates and Correlates of Unsecure Storage Behaviors Among U.S. Firearm-Owning Caregivers of Teens: Results from a Nationally Representative Survey

For U.S. teens, firearm access is a significant risk factor for fatal/non-fatal injury. To inform prevention efforts, we estimate prevalence of caregiver storage practices within a nationally representative sample and characterize factors associated with storing firearms unlocked and loaded (unsecure). A web-based survey (24 June 2020–22 July 2020) of caregivers (N = 2924) of teens (age: 14–18) was completed, with weighting used to generate nationally representative estimates; multivariable logistic regression was then used to identify factors associated with storing firearms unlocked and loaded. We identified that 44.1% of caregivers of teens personally own a firearm, with 31.1% regularly storing ≥ 1 firearm(s) unlocked and loaded. The primary motivation for firearm ownership was protection and a traditional firearm safe was the most commonly used storage device. Caregivers were more likely to store firearm(s) unlocked and loaded (vs. more secure storage methods) if they reported prior military service (AOR = 1.9) or conducted regular audits verifying location/storage (AOR = 1.6), and if their teen had received prior safety training (AOR = 2.4). While caregivers of teens may institute supplementary safety measures (e.g., audits; safety training), future research should examine the efficacy of such safety measures and their impact on teen firearm injury-related outcomes.