Adverse childhood experiences and firearm storage patterns

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and firearm storage practices among adults in firearm-owning households using data from the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) across Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and Virginia. Findings from multiple logistic regression analyses reveal that relative to respondents with 0 ACEs, 2–3 ACEs (Adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] = 1.48, 95 % Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.12–1.97, p = .007) and 4 + ACEs (aOR = 1.60, 95 % CI = 1.19–2.16, p = .002) were associated with a higher likelihood of storing a firearm loaded versus unloaded. Among individual ACE items, household alcoholism (aOR = 1.36, 95 % CI = 1.08–1.71, p = .008), household incarceration (aOR = 1.67, 95 % CI = 1.18–2.36, p = .004), parental divorce/separation (aOR = 1.37, 95 % CI = 1.09–1.72, p = .007) were associated with higher odds of storing a firearm loaded. These findings underscore the need for tailored public health interventions that address the lasting impacts of childhood adversity on health and safety practices in adulthood.