Prevalence and correlates of self-reported access to a gun among students at 24 postsecondary institutions by sex and gender identity

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Abstract
Estimate prevalence and identify correlates of self-reported access to a gun among college students. Degree seeking students never serving in the military at 24 postsecondary institutions participating in ACHA-NCHA III during spring of 2020 and 2021 (N = 17,293) stratified by ciswomen, cismen, and transgender/gender nonconforming. Independent variables included measures of individual-level risk behaviors and experiences including interpersonal violence, mental health issues, and current and lifetime substance use. Individual-level demographics, indicators of institutional affiliation, and institutional characteristics used as controls. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests of independence, and adjusted odds ratios are reported. About 14% (n = 2,349) of sample self-reported access. Students' involvement with multiple different risk behaviors and experiences increased the odds of access. Access is a prerequisite to firearm use and resulting on-campus assaults, suicides, and homicides. Additional research on access prevalence, location and type of firearm being accessed, and the correlates of access is needed.

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