Beyond Locks and Lectures
What Rural Parents Think Would Be Effective Firearm Safety Messaging and Programming
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21426756 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Victor A Soupene (0000-0002-1701-552X, University of Iowa, corresponding author), Charles A Jennissen (0000-0002-2484-1213, University of Iowa), Charles Jennissen, Nicholas R Stange (Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport), Nicholas Stange, Pam Hoogerwerf (University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital), Cassidy Branch (University of Iowa), Marc Doobay, Marc F Doobay (0000-0002-4678-159X, University of Iowa) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 304-311 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Community Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0094-5145 • E-ISSN: 1573-3610 |
| Publisher | Springer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s10900-025-01533-y |
| PMID | 41307622 |
| OpenAlex | W4416767412 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 30 |
Firearm-related suicides and unintentional injuries occur at higher rates in rural U.S. communities than in urban areas. While safe storage programs may help reduce these injuries, little is known about how to effectively engage rural, farming populations. This study aimed to identify factors influencing firearm safety programming and messaging among parents in rural households. Focus groups were conducted in 2024 with rural Iowa parents recruited via FFA club advisors and through the University of Iowa mass e-mail system. Inclusion criteria included: (1) residence in Iowa with active farming or ranching operations, (2) at least one child aged 10–19 living in the home, and (3) at least one firearm in the household. Discussions followed a moderator guide to identify primary themes, with sub-themes emerging organically. Transcripts were analyzed using Dedoose software. Three researchers independently coded the data and resolved discrepancies through consensus. Thirty-two participants identified trusted messengers as law enforcement, Department of Natural Resources personnel, and community members affected by firearm violence. Teachers, healthcare professionals, and celebrities were viewed as less credible. Participants emphasized age-specific messaging using realistic examples and visuals and suggested integrating firearm safety into existing programs like school curricula, 4-H, FFA and local safety courses. Views on distributing safety devices like locks and safes were mixed. Tailoring firearm safety interventions to reflect the values and preferences of rural communities may improve engagement and effectiveness. Strategies led by trusted local messengers may be particularly impactful
Focus group · Injury prevention · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Psychological intervention · Residence · Suicide prevention · Crime Patterns and Interventions · Gun Ownership and Violence Research · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
Describing meanings and practices related to firearms, safety, and household storage in rural Alaska Native communities
The Role of Family-Level Factors in Firearm Storage Practices
The Politics of Resentment
Farmer Suicide in Wisconsin
The Stock and Flow of U.S. Firearms
Firearm Storage in Gun-Owning Households with Children
I’ve given up”
Rural Identity as a Contributing Factor to Anti-Intellectualism in the U.S
| Highly cited | No |
|---|