Can media effects counteract legislation reforms? The case of adolescent firearm suicides in the wake of the Austrian firearm legislation

J Adolesc Health. 2009 Jan;44(1):90-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2008.05.010. Epub 2008 Oct 18.

Abstract

To assess the impact of the Austrian firearm legislation (1997) on adolescent suicides, we investigated time trends in youth suicide prevalence (1986-2006) with Poisson regression. A temporary increase in firearm suicides after the reform was observed, followed by a continuous decrease. The hypothesis that media reporting triggered the short-term backlash effect is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Austria / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Firearms / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Mass Media*
  • Poisson Distribution
  • Prevalence
  • Regression Analysis
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • Suicide / trends
  • Wounds, Gunshot / epidemiology
  • Wounds, Gunshot / prevention & control*
  • Young Adult