Beyond Locks and Lectures: What Rural Parents Think Would Be Effective Firearm Safety Messaging and Programming

Victor A Soupene; Charles Jennissen; Nicholas Stange; Pam Hoogerwerf; Cassidy Branch; Marc Doobay

doi:10.1007/s10900-025-01533-y

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Beyond Locks and Lectures: What Rural Parents Think Would Be Effective Firearm Safety Messaging and Programming

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Beyond Locks and Lectures: What Rural Parents Think Would Be Effective Firearm Safety Messaging and Programming

Victor A Soupene, Charles Jennissen, Nicholas Stange, Pam Hoogerwerf, Cassidy Branch and Marc Doobay

Journal of community health

11/27/2025

DOI: 10.1007/s10900-025-01533-y

PMID: 41307622

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Abstract

Firearm-related suicides and unintentional injuries occur at higher rates in rural U.S. communities than in urban areas. While safe storage programs may help reduce these injuries, little is known about how to effectively engage rural, farming populations. This study aimed to identify factors influencing firearm safety programming and messaging among parents in rural households. Focus groups were conducted in 2024 with rural Iowa parents recruited via FFA club advisors and through the University of Iowa mass e-mail system. Inclusion criteria included: (1) residence in Iowa with active farming or ranching operations, (2) at least one child aged 10-19 living in the home, and (3) at least one firearm in the household. Discussions followed a moderator guide to identify primary themes, with sub-themes emerging organically. Transcripts were analyzed using Dedoose software. Three researchers independently coded the data and resolved discrepancies through consensus. Thirty-two participants identified trusted messengers as law enforcement, Department of Natural Resources personnel, and community members affected by firearm violence. Teachers, healthcare professionals, and celebrities were viewed as less credible. Participants emphasized age-specific messaging using realistic examples and visuals and suggested integrating firearm safety into existing programs like school curricula, 4-H, FFA and local safety courses. Views on distributing safety devices like locks and safes were mixed. Tailoring firearm safety interventions to reflect the values and preferences of rural communities may improve engagement and effectiveness. Strategies led by trusted local messengers may be particularly impactful.

Firearms

Rural Health

Safe storage

Program implementation

Health communication

UIOWA OA Agreement

Details

Title: Subtitle: Beyond Locks and Lectures: What Rural Parents Think Would Be Effective Firearm Safety Messaging and Programming
Creators: Victor A Soupene - University of Iowa Health Care
Charles Jennissen - University of Iowa
Nicholas Stange - Louisiana State University
Pam Hoogerwerf - University of Iowa
Cassidy Branch - University of Iowa
Marc Doobay - University of Iowa, Physician Assistant Studies
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of community health
DOI: 10.1007/s10900-025-01533-y
PMID: 41307622
NLM abbreviation: J Community Health
ISSN: 1573-3610
eISSN: 1573-3610
Publisher: Springer Nature
Grant note: Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center / Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center 520-94-9462-78700-86023548-30 / University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital Firearm Injury Prevention Discretionary Fund Grant
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 11/27/2025
Academic Unit: Physician Assistant Studies; Occupational and Environmental Health; Stead Family Department of Pediatrics; Emergency Medicine; Family and Community Medicine; Center for Social Science Innovation; Injury Prevention Research Center
Record Identifier: 9985035036302771

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