Surveillance of Suicidal Behavior: U.S. Army Reserve Component Soldiers, January through December 2017
Abstract
This publication reports on the frequency and characteristics of suicidal behavior among RC Soldiers during calendar year 2017 using multiple data sources stored in the Army Behavioral Health Integrated Data Environment (ABHIDE). Suicide cases among activated and non-activated RC Soldiers were obtained from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System (AFMES) (including confirmed and pending cases) and Army G-1, respectively. Suicide attempt and suicidal ideation cases among activated RC Soldiers were identified by Department of Defense Suicide Event Reports (DoDSERs), which are completed only for cases hospitalized or evacuated. Suicidal ideation cases were also identified using medical encounters from the Military Health System Data Repository (MDR). During the 2017 calendar year, 354 U.S. Army National Guard (ARNG) Soldiers had a documented suicidal behavior: 122 died by suicide (16 were activated, 84 were not activated), 22 had a documented suicide attempt, and 210 had a reported suicidal ideation. The rate of suicide was 38 per 100,000 ARNG Soldiers. In 2017, 213 U.S. Army Reserve (USAR) Soldiers engaged in a suicidal behavior: 62 died by suicide (11 were activated, 89 were not activated), 17 had a documented suicide attempt, and 133 had a reported suicidal ideation. The rate of suicide was 33 per 100,000 USAR Soldiers, which was higher than the rate for USAR Soldiers in 2016 (21/100,000 Soldiers). These findings highlight the importance of implementing suicide prevention programs across all components.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1216161
Entities
People
- Elizabeth Corrigan
- Kirsten Anke
- Maisha Toussaint
- Raina D. Brooks