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. 2018 Jan-Mar;22(1):1-10.
doi: 10.1080/13811118.2017.1304308. Epub 2017 Apr 7.

Suicide Risk by Unit Component among Veterans Who Served in Iraq or Afghanistan

Tim Bullman, Aaron Schneiderman, Robert Bossarte

Suicide Risk by Unit Component among Veterans Who Served in Iraq or Afghanistan

Tim Bullman et al. Arch Suicide Res. 2018 Jan-Mar.

Abstract

This study assessed the risk of suicide by time since separation from the military for US veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan. Suicide risk was assessed by comparing the number of suicides among veterans, when stratified by active vs. reserve/National Guard status to the expected number based on rates of suicide in the US general population. Hazard rates were used to assess suicide risk since the time each veteran separated/deactivated from active duty service. Compared to the US general population, active duty veterans had a 56% increased risk of suicide and reserve/National Guard veterans had a 29% increased risk. Suicide risk decreased as time since separation/deactivation increased for both groups. The risk of suicide for both groups was greatest during the first year of follow-up.

Keywords: hazard rate; suicide; veterans.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Suicide rate for active vs. Reserve/National Guard components by years since entry to follow-up.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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