Evaluating laws to reduce firearm violence in California
RFA-CE-23-006, Leveraging Individual-Level Data to Evaluate Policies Targeting Acute Risk Periods for Firearm Violence: Extreme Risk Protective Orders and Waiting Periods in California
This study looks at how certain laws that limit access to guns during dangerous times can help reduce the chances of suicide among gun owners and keep their loved ones safe from violence, using information from a large group of handgun owners in California.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10903708 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of laws designed to temporarily restrict firearm access during high-risk periods for violence and suicide. By analyzing data from a large cohort of handgun owners in California, the study aims to understand how Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO) and mandatory waiting periods affect the risk of suicide among gun owners and homicide risk among their cohabitants. The research utilizes longitudinal data to provide insights into the effectiveness of these policies in preventing deaths during acute risk periods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include handgun owners and their cohabitants in California who may be affected by firearm access laws.
Not a fit: Patients who do not own firearms or do not reside in California may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved policies that significantly reduce firearm-related deaths and enhance public safety.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of similar policies, indicating that this study could provide valuable new insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swanson, Sonja Alsemgeest — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Swanson, Sonja Alsemgeest
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.