Title: Urban-Rural Shifts in Intentional Firearm Death: Different Causes, Same Results

Publication Date: October 2004

What does it say?

This study looked at the difference in rates of suicide and homicide in urban and rural areas of the US. It was found that rates of intentional firearm deaths were similar in both rural and urban areas. Rates of suicide in the most rural communities closely resembled that of homicide in the largest cities. This runs counter to the general assertion that deaths as a result of gun violence are a bigger problem in urban cities.

The study concludes that: “Firearm suicide in rural counties is as important as firearm homicide in urban counties. Policymakers should become aware that intentional firearm deaths affect all types of communities in the United States.” Policies and laws that focus solely on the prevention of homicide and the association of firearm homicide with urban crime obscures the importance of firearm suicide in isolated rural areas.

A 2010 study found a similar pattern among young people (“Variation in Pediatric and Adolescent Firearm Mortality Rates in Rural and Urban U.S. Counties,” Pediatrics, June 2010).  To read a summary of that study, click here.

How can I use it?

Firearms are the leading means of suicide. Policies that target rural populations, educate households that guns raise the risk of suicide, and emphasize safe storage of weapons could help save lives, as could the requirement that all gun sales be subject to background checks.

Citation

Branas, Charles C. et al., “Urban-Rural Shifts in Intentional Firearm Death: Different Causes, Same Results,” American Journal of Public Health, 94(10) (2004): 1750-1755

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