# Impact of a suicide prevention learning module for firearm training courses in Louisiana

## TL;DR

This study shows that a suicide prevention module in firearm training improves knowledge and openness to secure firearm storage.

## Contribution

The study evaluates the feasibility and impact of integrating lethal means safety messaging into firearm training courses.

## Key findings

- Firearm instructors and students found the suicide prevention module feasible and acceptable.
- Students showed increased knowledge, openness, and confidence in discussing firearm storage and suicide.
- The module improved willingness to change storage practices and engage in conversations about suicide prevention.

## Abstract

Firearm suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States. Suicide prevention experts have advocated for upstream interventions that can be implemented prior to the development of suicidal thoughts, particularly those that focus on lethal means safety (LMS; e.g., increasing secure firearm storage). To reach firearm owners with LMS messaging, researchers have developed suicide prevention training content which can be incorporated into firearm training courses. However, no study to date has evaluated impact of such training on firearm course students’ subsequent knowledge, attitudes, and openness related to secure firearm storage. Thus, the current study sought to examine both the feasibility and acceptability of a LMS-focused suicide prevention training module among firearm course students, as well as the impact of this module on students’ secure firearm storage-related knowledge, attitudes, and openness.

Firearm instructors (N = 6) and students in firearm classes (N = 83) were recruited to participate. Students were invited to complete voluntary, anonymous pre- and post-surveys during courses they attended that were led by these instructors. Instructors and students were also invited to complete a brief qualitative interview.

Results indicated that firearm instructors and students in firearm courses found the module feasible and acceptable. Additionally, students’ knowledge about the relationship between firearms and suicide, openness to changing firearm storage practices, and endorsement of the importance of discussing firearms and suicide with fellow firearm owners, as well as willingness and confidence to do so, all significantly increased after viewing the module.

These findings provide strong support for the use of such culturally competent LMS messaging as upstream suicide prevention in settings such as concealed carry courses.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40621-024-00526-0.