Abstract

ABSTRACT: We designed a study to assess the personal gun ownership and safety practices of trauma center workers in Birmingham, Alabama. Survey questionnaires administered to nurses, physicians, and other workers in pediatric and adult trauma centers showed that two thirds (65%) owned a gun and 56% owned a handgun. Gun owners with children were less likely to have loaded, unlocked guns in their homes than those without children (33% vs 56%). Loaded guns were carried in cars by 48% of workers. Worker title and attitude regarding handgun restrictions were the strongest predictors of unsafe gun ownership in a logistic regression model. Workers with loaded, unlocked guns in their home considered themselves and their family at no greater risk of gun injury from family-owned guns than workers without guns. We conclude that many trauma workers had unsafely stored guns and failed to recognize the associated risks.