• Avni M Bhalakia, Annalyn DeMello, Kristen Beckworth, Brittany Johnson, and Bindi Naik-Mathuria.
• From the Departments of Pediatrics and Pediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, and the Center for Childhood Injury Prevention, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas.
• South. Med. J. 2021 Oct 1; 114 (10): 636-639.

ObjectivesFirearms-related injuries and deaths are a leading cause of death in children and young adults ages 5 to 24 years. This study evaluated the counseling practices and barriers to providing safe firearms storage education by pediatricians and advance practice providers.MethodsAn online survey was sent to 296 pediatric outpatient providers in Houston, Texas. Pediatric providers were asked about demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and current practices regarding firearms safety counseling. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed.ResultsSurvey respondents (N = 76) were 86% women and 87% physicians. Most (86%) agree that they should discuss firearms safety with parents, whereas only 32% report routine counseling. The most frequent barrier to providing education was insufficient time (63%), followed by unfamiliarity with guns (26%).ConclusionsPediatric providers are interested in firearms safety counseling, but few incorporate it into their practice. Addressing barriers of time and comfort level around firearms are potential first steps to curbing a leading cause of injury death among children. Further research is needed to develop counseling methods that are time efficient and culturally competent for the pediatric office.

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