Eastern Professor Recognized by Public Health Journal for Firearm Storage Research
Willimantic, CT (10/17/2018) — Mitchell Doucette, an assistant professor in health sciences at Eastern Connecticut State University, was part of a research team recognized by the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) for having One of the Best Papers of the Year in 2018. Titled "Storage Practices of U.S. Gun Owners in 2016," Doucette's research study was selected for the journal's Editor's Choice Awards.
Self-inflicted and unintentional firearm injury is a major public health concern in the United States. Doucette's research explores the factors that influence firearm storage among gun owners. Through a nationally representative online survey, it also assesses gun storage habits and attitudes about gun storage practices.
Methods for safe storage include securing guns in a locked safe or gun rack and using trigger locks. The study found that only 50 percent of gun owners self-reported storing all of their firearms safely. It was noted, however, that having children and/or participating in gun-safety courses increases the likelihood of safe firearm storage.
The research also examined the organizations that gun owners view as credible sources of information about firearm storage. The research found that gun owners viewed law enforcement and hunting/outdoor organizations like the National Rifle Association (NRA) as most credible for communicating safe gun storage.
"Safe gun storage has the potential to serve as a meaningful intervention to reduce both gun-related injuries and mortalities," said Doucette. "Public health practitioners should utilize gun-safety training courses and partner with the groups that gun owners find credible - like law enforcement - to increase safe firearm storage."
The American Journal of Public Health is dedicated to the publication of original work in research, research methods and program evaluation in the field of public health. The mission of the journal is to advance public health research, policy, practice and education. The December 2018 issue of AJPH will include a column about the winning publications, which will feature Doucette and his innovative research.
Written by Jolene Potter
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Eastern Connecticut State University is the state of Connecticut's public liberal arts university, serving more than 5,300 students annually at its Willimantic campus and satellite locations. In addition to attracting students from 163 of Connecticut's 169 towns, Eastern also draws students from 26 other states and 20 other countries. A residential campus offering 40 majors and 65 minors, Eastern offers students a strong liberal art foundation grounded in an array of applied learning opportunities. Ranked the 25th top public university in the North Region by U.S. News and World Report in its 2018 Best College ratings, Eastern has also been awarded 'Green Campus' status by the Princeton Review eight years in a row. For more information, visit www.easternct.edu.
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