Firearm safety counseling is common but inconsistent: A survey of pediatric clinicians in the Southeastern United States.

Anne E Brisendine, Demetria Hubbard, Ashley Downs, Riley Blum, Elizabeth Hendrickson, Jennifer McCain, Emma Sartin

Abstract read

In one paragraph

Article in Preventive medicine reports, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Anne E BrisendineDepartment of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2 Avenue S, RPHB 330, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA.

Demetria HubbardDepartment of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2 Avenue S, RPHB 330, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA.

Ashley DownsDepartment of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2 Avenue S, RPHB 330, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA.

Riley BlumDepartment of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2 Avenue S, RPHB 330, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA.

Elizabeth HendricksonDepartment of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7 Avenue S, CPP Suite 110, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.

Jennifer McCainDepartment of Pediatrics Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 7 Avenue S, CPP Suite 110, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.

Emma SartinDepartment of Health Policy and Organization, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2 Avenue S, RPHB 330, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0022, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Objective: Firearm injury is the leading cause of death among children. Evidence shows that counseling around firearm safety from trusted clinicians increases safe storage practices. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended pediatricians provide counseling on the topic to patients and caregivers, yet gaps remain in understanding how counseling is delivered, especially in the Southeastern US. This study aimed to describe patterns of and barriers to firearm anticipatory guidance among pediatric clinicians in the Southeast. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was developed to assess awareness of recommendations/provision of firearm safety counseling. The survey was distributed between July 30-December 10, 2025 across six Southern states through AAP chapters and direct emails from physician champions. Descriptive analyses were conducted to describe the sample and summarize responses to survey questions. Results: Among respondents ( Conclusions: Delivery of firearm safety counseling is inconsistent and dependent on context and perceived risk. Structural barriers limit delivery of messaging. Opportunities exist to standardize safety counseling in pediatric care.

Indexed as

Anticipatory guidanceFirearm safetyInjury prevention

Identifiers

PMID42831035

DOI10.1016/j.pmedr.2026.103638

PMCPMC13634460

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