Who Uses Firearms as a Means of Suicide? A Population Study Exploring Firearm Accessibility and Method Choice

This study explored factors which may impact the choice of firearms as a suicide method, including current licence possession & previous history of legal access. Detailed information on all Queensland suicides (1997-2004) was obtained with additional information gathered on firearm licence history. A logistic regression identified factors signficant in those most likely to use firearms in suicide. The rate of suicide using firearms in those with a current licence far exceeded the rate in those with no licence history. A history of firearms licence was found to more than double the risk of suicide by any means. The group with the highest risk of selecting firearms were older males from rural locations. It is concluded that accessibility & familiarity with firearms represent critical elements in determining the choice of method. (52 refs.)