University of Pennsylvania
This study aims to learn how to best promote safe firearm storage in the community. Firearm injuries are a major public health concern, and securely storing firearms can help prevent accidental injuries, suicide, and unauthorized access. This research will test whether providing people with a choice of firearm storage devices improves safe storage practices compared to providing standard cable locks alone. Adults who are patients, visitors, or employees at participating Penn Medicine community health centers may choose to enroll by scanning a QR code displayed at the site. After reviewing study information and providing consent, participants will complete a short online survey about firearm ownership and storage practices. Participants will then be randomly assigned to receive either cable locks or a choice of storage devices such as a lock box and/or cable locks, which will be mailed to their home at no cost. Participants will receive firearm safety educational materials and will be asked to complete brief follow-up surveys by text message about one month and three months later. Some participants and health center staff may also be invited to participate in interviews about their experiences with the program. The goal of this research is to identify practical and acceptable ways for health systems to support safe firearm storage and reduce firearm-related injuries in diverse communities.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient, visitor, or employee at enrollment site * Can access QR code survey at enrollment site via smartphone and have access to text messaging * Have a residential \[U.S.\] mailing address * Report a firearm at home * Request a secure storage device Exclusion Criteria: * Prior enrollment from same household address (needed to preserve independence of study observations) * Inability to complete study consent and assessments in English or Spanish
Participants assigned to this intervention will receive up to five firearm cable locks at no cost. The cable locks will be mailed to the participant's home along with firearm safety educational materials.
Participants assigned to this intervention will receive one firearm lock box at no cost. The lock box will be mailed to the participant's home along with firearm safety educational materials.
Participants assigned to this intervention will receive one firearm lock box and up to four firearm cable locks at no cost. The storage devices will be mailed to the participant's home along with firearm safety educational materials.