The prevalence of firearms in the United States has become a significant public health crisis, with a recent study finding that more young people are dying from gun-related incidents than from cancer. Dr. Archie Bleyer, a clinical research professor at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, has shifted his focus to this alarming trend after personal experiences with gun-related tragedies.
One such incident involved his grandson’s classmate, who tragically took his own life with a firearm. Another involved a patient who awoke to the sound of his son committing suicide with a gun. These events have prompted Dr. Bleyer to examine mental health disorder and firearm data from 2000 to 2019, comparing the United States to 40 countries with similar sociodemographic profiles.
The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, revealed that while the prevalence of mental health disorders in the U.S. is similar to other countries, the rate of firearm deaths is 20 times greater. Since 2000, the total firearm death rate in the U.S. has increased by 23%, while in the 40 other countries studied, firearm deaths have decreased by 27%.
Dr. Bleyer emphasizes that the study does not diminish the mental health crisis in the U.S. However, he points out that the high rate of firearm deaths in the country cannot be solely attributed to mental health disorders. The study found that firearm deaths by suicide increased by 18% over the past decade, while gun deaths by homicide rose by 39% since 2000. In contrast, these rates decreased in the other countries studied.
The key difference, according to Dr. Bleyer, is the easy access to firearms in the U.S. Despite having only 4% of the world’s population, the country possesses 25% of the world’s firearms. This access to guns has contributed to the escalation of firearm-related deaths in the U.S., turning it into a public health crisis.
Dr. Bleyer’s study highlights the need to address the issue of firearm prevalence in the U.S. and its impact on public health. By understanding the correlation between firearms and increased death rates, steps can be taken to prevent further tragedies. The study findings have been presented at the Texas State Capitol, raising awareness of the urgent need for action to address the firearm mortality epidemic in the country.
