The Epidemiology of Firearm Deaths Among Residents of California

Firearms are the cause of 26,442 deaths among California residents during the years 1977-1983. Black men aged 25-34 had the highest firearm mortality rate. Men 75 years & older had the highest firearm mortality rate when all races were considered together, & 93% of firearm deaths in that group were deaths by suicide. The discussion focuses on current understanding of firearms as a medical & public health problem & suggests directions for future research & intervention. (LC) (14 refs)