Citation

Yard E, Brown M, Stone D. Mil. Behav. Health 2023; 11(1-2): 45-53.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2023, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/21635781.2022.2151535

PMID

37969570

PMCID

PMC10641751

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Examine characteristics associated with increased odds of nonfatal suicidal behaviors among former active-duty servicemembers (F-ADSM) using data from the 2013-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).

METHODS: F-ADSM were respondents who reported being separated/retired from the military and previously serving on active-duty. For each outcome of interest (suicidal ideation, made a suicide plan, made a suicide attempt), we used multivariable logistic regression with backwards elimination to identify characteristics with statistically significant associations.

RESULTS: In the 12 months preceding the survey, 3.6% of F-ADSM reported suicidal ideation, 1.0% reported making a plan, and 0.3% reported making a suicide attempt. There were increased odds of self-reported suicide attempts among F-ADSM who were female; aged 18-49 years; non-Hispanic black; gay or bisexual; divorced/separated or widowed; not employed; in poverty; binged alcohol in the past month; or ever had a major depressive episode.

CONCLUSIONS: Suicide can be prevented through a comprehensive, upstream approach addressing veteran's holistic needs to prevent them from becoming suicidal in the first place, and support veterans at increased risk.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; self-harm; military; veteran