Abstract
Controlling Firearms use in Australia: has the 1996 gun law Reform Produced the Decrease in Rates of Suicide With This Method?
Klieve H~~Barnes M~~De Leo D
This study assessed the impact of 1997 legislative restrictions on the incidence of firearm suicide in Queensland & explored alternative or contributory factors behind observed declines. The observed reduction in firearms suicide was initiated prior to the National Firearms Agreement, with a clear decline observed in Australian figures from 1988. No significant difference was found in the rate pre/post introduction of the Agreement in Queensland; however a significant difference was found for Australia data, the quality of which was less satisfactory. A marked age difference in method choice was observed through a cohort analysis demonstrating both time & age influences. (37 refs.) JA