Characteristics of suicides among US army active duty personnel in 17 US states from 2005 to 2007

Am J Public Health. 2012 Mar;102 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S40-4. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300481. Epub 2012 Jan 25.

Abstract

Suicides are increasing among active duty US Army soldiers. To help focus prevention strategies, we characterized 56 US Army suicides that occurred from 2005 to 2007 in 17 US states using 2 large-scale surveillance systems. We found that intimate partner problems and military-related stress, particularly job stress, were common among decedents. Many decedents were also identified as having suicidal ideation, a sad or depressed mood, or a recent crisis before death. Focusing efforts to prevent these forms of stress might reduce suicides among soldiers.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Military Personnel / psychology
  • Military Personnel / statistics & numerical data*
  • Population Surveillance
  • Risk Factors
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States / epidemiology