A national study of firearm exposure and safety training among rural youth
Jamie L. Koopman, Benjamin M. Linden, Megan R. Sinik, Kristel M. Wetjen, Pam J. Hoogerwerf, Junlin Liao, Charles A. Jennissen

TL;DR
This study found that many rural teens have fired firearms at young ages, with significant differences in use based on demographics and location, and nearly a third lack formal safety training.
Contribution
The study provides new national data on firearm exposure and safety training among rural youth using a large sample of FFA convention attendees.
Findings
Most participants had fired rifles/shotguns and handguns, often before age 11.
Demographic factors like gender, race, and rural residence were strongly associated with firearm use.
About 30% of firearm users had not completed a certified safety training course.
Abstract
Data regarding rural youths’ experience with firearms, including safety training, is highly limited despite their frequent presence in homes. Our objective was to investigate rural adolescents’ use of firearms and whether they had received formal firearm training. A convenience sample of 2021 National FFA (formerly Future Farmers of America) Convention & Expo attendees were given an anonymous survey at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital injury prevention booth. The survey explored their use of rifles/shotguns and handguns and whether they had completed a certified firearm safety course. Descriptive and comparative analyses, including multivariable logistic regression analyses, were performed on compiled data. 3206 adolescents ages 13–18 years participated with 45% reporting they lived on a farm or ranch. The vast majority of participants (85%) had fired a…
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Taxonomy
TopicsGun Ownership and Violence Research · Injury Epidemiology and Prevention · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies
