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Effect of Veteran-Focused Suicide Prevention Public Messaging on Help-Seeking Behavior and Secure Firearm Storage. Omega (Westport) 2024 Nov 15:302228241297553

Date

11/16/2024

Pubmed ID

39547820

DOI

10.1177/00302228241297553

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85209377563 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

Suicide is a major public health concern in the United States. Veterans are among those at higher risk for death by suicide. Firearm ownership is one factor that contributes to veterans' elevated suicide risk. The current study sought to determine the effectiveness of an evidence-based, multi-media advertising campaign with a specific focus on veterans related to secure storage of firearms and general help-seeking attitudes during a mental health crisis. Results indicated positive changes in (a) attitudes toward seeking help from a health care provider or a friend/loved one during a mental health crisis, (b) attitudes toward firearm storage during a crisis, and (c) self-reported secure firearm storage behaviors post-advertising, particularly among veterans. Implications for future advertising campaigns, clinical interventions, and research investigations are discussed.

Author List

Berger BD, Kohlbeck SA, Howard KP, Birgenheir DG, Chavin RS, Knowlton GG, Larsen SE, Larson ER, Smith HM, Spalding RL, Thomas KB, Vallejo LG, Buttery D, Hargarten SW

Authors

Kristen P. Howard PhD Assistant Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Sara Kohlbeck PhD, MPH Assistant Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Sadie E. Larsen PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin