Guns in the heartland: examining firearm behaviors among Oklahoman adults
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective: To assess firearm ownership, storage, carrying, and exposure to firearm-related threats among adults in Oklahoma, a state with high firearm-related mortality and permissive firearm laws. Methods: tests to assess differences in firearm ownership, storage, carrying, and firearm-related threats by demographic characteristics, safety training, and concealed-carry permit status. Results: Overall, 51% of participants reported owning a firearm, and more than 30% reported carrying a firearm outside the home, most commonly for self-protection. Twenty-five percent reported having been threatened with a firearm. Threat exposure was more common among males, Black adults, individuals with less than a college education, and those employed full-time. Firearm owners were more likely to be male, live in rural areas, and be employed full-time. Nearly half of firearm owners (48.3%) and firearm carriers (48.5%) reported never receiving formal firearm safety training, and 90% of firearm owners reported unsafe storage practices. Conclusions: Firearm ownership and carrying were common in this Oklahoma sample, while unsafe storage and limited safety training were widespread. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce firearm-related harm.
Source: Preventive Medicine Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Health
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,610
OpenAlex ID: W7222880104