Firearms lethal means safety among Veterans: Attitudes toward involving a concerned significant other.

INTRODUCTION

This quality improvement project evaluated the acceptability and feasibility of involving concerned significant others (CSOs) in lethal means safety with Veterans who had suicidal ideation or a prior suicide attempt.

METHODS

Using a mixed-methods design, dyads were recruited to participate in qualitative interviews on current practices, attitudes, and recommendations related to secure firearm storage from the Veteran and CSO perspectives. Veterans (n = 29) and their CSOs (n = 4) were individually interviewed.

RESULTS

A majority of Veterans (n = 25) emphasized the importance of engaging in safe firearm practices, and many indicated that they wanted to discuss firearm access openly. In addition, most Veterans (n = 26) were receptive to a CSO limiting firearm access. Although the number of participating CSOs was small, all (n = 4) indicated a willingness to securely store firearms and emphasized the importance of having direct conversations about firearm storage with Veterans.

DISCUSSION: Findings provide initial support for receptiveness toward a person-level intervention incorporating a CSO into firearm safety planning for Veterans at risk for suicide.