First off, it is 1 state, California. Second, after looking at how they extrapolated their data and adjusted for what they call a "hazard" ratio, I still don't see how the math works out. Third, LOOK AT THE FUNDING. This was one of the first things that was taught to me in my field when analyzing studies for possible biases and limitations. And all this doesn't even take into account intention when purchasing, existing mental illness, misclassification of hangun owners (meaning how they acquired said gun), their estimation of long-gun ownership, gun laws by state, population breakdown, etc. And just look at this statement they include:
Fifty-nine people were killed in the mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017, the deadliest in U.S. history. Approximately the same number die each day in the United States from suicide by firearm. Many of these deaths are preventable. Our study bolsters and extends the message from previous research: ready access to firearms, particularly handguns, is a major risk factor for suicide. Health care providers and policymakers should be aware of this risk. This information is also important for current and prospective firearm owners seeking to weigh the risks and perceived benefits of ownership.
Nah, they’re going to casually omit that part of the statistic
I actually went to look at the study here:
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMsa1916744
First off, it is 1 state, California. Second, after looking at how they extrapolated their data and adjusted for what they call a "hazard" ratio, I still don't see how the math works out. Third, LOOK AT THE FUNDING. This was one of the first things that was taught to me in my field when analyzing studies for possible biases and limitations. And all this doesn't even take into account intention when purchasing, existing mental illness, misclassification of hangun owners (meaning how they acquired said gun), their estimation of long-gun ownership, gun laws by state, population breakdown, etc. And just look at this statement they include:
Fifty-nine people were killed in the mass shooting in Las Vegas in 2017, the deadliest in U.S. history. Approximately the same number die each day in the United States from suicide by firearm. Many of these deaths are preventable. Our study bolsters and extends the message from previous research: ready access to firearms, particularly handguns, is a major risk factor for suicide. Health care providers and policymakers should be aware of this risk. This information is also important for current and prospective firearm owners seeking to weigh the risks and perceived benefits of ownership.