Surveillance of Suicidal Behavior January through December 2017
Abstract
This report includes the demographic and military characteristics and major life events of suicidal behavior cases during calendar year 2017. During 2017, 3,977 Army Active Duty Soldiers engaged in a suicidal behavior (116 suicides, 459 suicide attempts, and 3,402 suicidal ideations). Rates of suicides, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideations were 25, 98, and 724 per 100,000 Soldiers, respectively. Female Soldiers had higher rates of suicide attempt and suicidal ideation than males. Soldiers aged 1724 years old had the highest rate of suicidal behavior. While similar rates of suicide were observed between Soldiers in the E1E4 and E5E9 ranks, Soldiers in the E1E4 ranks had higher rates of attempt and ideation compared to senior enlisted Soldiers or Officers. The majority of suicidal behavior cases had made contact with the behavioral healthcare system within 30 days prior to the event and had relationship and/or work-related problems. Based on these findings, preventive measures may need to be developed for each suicidal behavior by targeting slightly different demographic groups. Furthermore, ensuring continuum of care so Soldiers are referred to the most appropriate services proves to be crucial.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 09, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1065008
Entities
People
- Elizabeth Corrigan
- Joseph A. Pecko
- Maisha Toussaint
- Raina D. Brooks
Organizations
- United States Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine