title: Suicide and firearm means restriction: can training make a difference?
abstract: Along with physician education in depression recognition and treatment, restricting lethal methods is an effective suicide prevention strategy. The present study surveyed a random sample (N = 697) of Ohio licensed social workers regarding client firearm assessment and safety counseling. Analyses sought to determine what independent factors would predict the probability that a social worker would hold positive attitudes regarding firearm risk assessment and counseling. Findings indicated that prior training and reporting from an urban area significantly increased the odds (p < .05) of registering more positive attitudes toward firearm assessment and safety counseling by 91.1% and 44.7%, respectively. Training mental health professionals in firearm assessment and safety counseling is an important aspect in addressing the reduction of suicide by this means.
authors.affiliation: Ohio University, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA. Slovak@ohio.edu
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Slovak
authors.forename: Thomas W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Brewer
mesh_terms: D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D005389:Firearms; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009820:Ohio; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012449:Safety; D012737:Sex Factors; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education*; D014505:Urban Population; D000092864:Suicide Prevention