Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Academic Year

2025-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Purpose: Between 2009-2017, there was an average of 42,847 emergency department (ED) visits per year for unintentional nonfatal gun injuries. Current literature shows gun locks are effective in preventing unintentional gun-related injuries. We hypothesize that cancer screening outreach events with community health workers are an effective manner of distributing gun locks and the distribution of gun locks results in behavior modification towards utilization of safe storage practices.

Methods: Community health workers at the screening events register participants through an 8- question consent form. Participants then complete a 24-question baseline survey to consenting participants asking about firearm ownership status, firearm storage methods, reasons for firearm ownership, and comfortability on discussing firearm safety with others.

Results: At the time of this report, data collection remains ongoing. 2 of 14 participants responded to the 3-month follow-up surveys indicating significant attrition. Of 14 participants, 8 live in a house with a gun and 6 live with no gun in the house. 7 gun owners cited protection as reason for gun ownership. 2 gun owners do not own any gun safety storage device. 4 gun owners and 7 non-gun owners were open to discussing firearm safety with friends and 4 gun owners and 5 non-gun owners were open to discussing firearm safety with healthcare providers.

Conclusion: Data collection and analysis is expected to be completed by April 1, 2026. Community Health Workers are key to the success of this program as they are respected members of the communities served by the van.

Additional Files
Chen_Brendan_poster.pdf (1456 kB)

Language

English

Download

Share

COinS