Association of Changes in Missouri Firearm Laws With Adolescent and Young Adult Suicides by Firearms

Key Points Question Were changes in Missouri’s firearm laws associated with rates of suicide by firearms in young Missouri residents? Findings In this cross-sectional study, repeal of the permit-to-purchase law was associated with a 21.8% increase in firearm suicide rates in young adults aged 19 to 24 years in Missouri. Lowering the minimum age of concealed carry to age 19 years in Missouri was associated with increased firearm suicide rates by 32.0% and nonfirearm suicide rates by 29.7% in adolescents aged 14 to 18 years, and increased firearm suicide rates by 7.2% in young adults aged 19 to 24 years. Meaning These findings suggest that changes in Missouri’s permit-to-purchase and concealed carry firearm laws may have contributed to increased rates of firearm suicides in young Missouri residents.

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