ABSTRACT

This study examined the prevalence of firearm ownership among low-income U.S. military veterans and associated sociodemographic, trauma, and clinical characteristics. Data were analyzed from a nationally representative study of low-income U.S. veterans conducted in 2021 (n = 1,004). Hierarchical logistic regression analyses identified characteristics associated with firearm ownership and mental health correlates of firearm ownership. The results revealed 41.7% of low-income U.S. veterans (95% confidence interval [CI] = 38.7–44.8%) reported owning firearms in their household. Controlling for other factors, firearms owners were significantly more likely to be male and living in their own house. There were no significant associations between trauma exposure (history of assault, unwanted social contact, death of close friend/family, homelessness) or mental health characteristics (history of bipolar disorder, suicide attempt, drug use problems) with firearm ownership. In conclusion, two of five low-income U.S. veterans own a firearm; the prevalence of firearm ownership is higher among men and homeowners. Targeted research on these key segments of the U.S. veteran population and ways to mitigate their firearm misuse may be needed.

摘要

本研究调查了美国低收入退伍军人的枪支拥有率以及相关的社会人口统计学、创伤和临床特征。数据分析来自于 2021 年对美国低收入退伍军人进行的一项具有全国代表性的研究（n = 1,004）。分层逻辑回归分析确定了与拥有枪支相关的特征以及拥有枪支的心理健康相关因素。结果显示，41.7% 的低收入美国退伍军人（95% 置信区间 [CI] = 38.7–44.8%）报告说他们家中拥有枪支。控制其他因素后，枪支拥有者更有可能是男性并且住在自己的房子里。创伤暴露（攻击史、不想要的社会接触、亲密朋友/家人的死亡、无家可归）或拥有枪支的心理健康特征（双相情感障碍史、自杀未遂、吸毒问题）。总之，五分之二的低收入美国退伍军人拥有枪支；男性和房主拥有枪支的比例更高。可能需要对美国退伍军人的这些关键部分进行有针对性的研究，以及减少他们滥用枪支的方法。