Objectives We investigated the possible relationship between
being shot in an assault and possession of a gun at the time.
MethodWe enrolled 677 case participants that had been shot
in an assault and 684 population-based control participants
within Philadelphia, PA, from 2003 to 2006. We adjusted odds
ratios for confounding variables.
ResultsAfter adjustment, individuals in possession of a gun
were 4.46 (
P < .05) times more likely to be shot in an assault
than those not in possession. Among gun assaults where the victim
had at least some chance to resist, this adjusted odds ratio
increased to 5.45 (
P < .05).
Conclusions. On average, guns
did not protect those who possessed
them from being shot in an assault. Although successful defensive
gun uses occur each year, the probability of success may be
low for civilian gun users in urban areas. Such users should
reconsider their possession of guns or, at least, understand
that regular possession necessitates careful safety countermeasures.
What a surprise!@
'American Public Health Association'
Obama & Michelle Barak during the presidential campaign in 2008, at a Bruce Springsteen-Billy Joel benefit concert in New York. Photo: Callie Shell/Aurora
