Firearm Injury Prevention Bystander Intervention for Adolescents in Shooting Sports: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial.
Megan L Ranney, Guangyu Tong, Rinad S Beidas et al.
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In 30 seconds
This parallel cluster randomized clinical trial evaluated a 3-session, co-developed firearm injury prevention bystander curriculum among adolescents in US 4-H Shooting Sports clubs. Fifty sites contributed baseline data, including 424 youth; among participants with reported family firearm ownership, 87.4% reported ownership. Compared with standard programming, the intervention produced a small increase in intention to use bystander intervention at 3 months (Β = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.003-0.19), but not at 6 months. Firearm injury risk knowledge improved at both follow-ups, while perceived behavioral control improved at 3 months.
Key findings
- Behavioral intention was modestly higher in intervention sites at 3 months (Β = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.003-0.19), with no difference at 6 months.
- The intervention improved firearm injury risk knowledge at both 3 and 6 months in complete-case and multiple-imputation analyses.
- Perceived behavioral control improved at 3 months.
Why it matters
Adolescents in shooting sports settings may encounter situations where bystander action could help prevent firearm injury. This trial suggests that a curriculum developed with a firearm-owning community can improve relevant knowledge and may briefly strengthen intentions to intervene. The findings also illustrate the potential value of partnerships between public health researchers and community organizations when designing prevention programs.
What to keep in mind
Behavioral intention was assessed using hypothetical scenarios rather than observed intervention behavior, and the intention effect was not present at 6 months. Baseline data were available from 50 of 61 randomized sites.