Suicides among military conscripts between 1991–2007 in Finland—A descriptive replication study

Abstract

Background: Suicide mortality in Finland particularly among young people remains high, compared with other European countries. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among military conscripts in Finland. Aims: In this record-based study, we investigated characteristics of all 48 suicides among Finnish conscripts during the period 1991–2007. Methods: We collected and analyzed healthcare records during military service and medicolegal investigations (medicolegal autopsy) of suicide victims. Results: Of the 48 suicides, 36 (75%) were completed during leave days. Shooting, hanging and jumping were the most common methods used; a service gun was used in four (14%) of the 29 shooting cases. One-third of the victims had been in contact with military healthcare during the week preceding their suicide, and two-thirds during the preceding month. Conclusions: When conscripts use healthcare services, suicidal thoughts should be actively asked of those conscripts with history of any risk factors for suicidal behavior.

• Draftee
• Military conscript
• Mortality
• Suicide

Acknowledgements

We wish to thank Mrs Marjut Grainger from the National Institute for Health and Welfare for statistical assistance, Colonel ret. (M.C.) Matti Ponteva, specialist in psychiatry and healthcare, for comments on the manuscript, Ms Mari Lauren from the Ministry of Social Welfare and Health for her advice and Dr Antti Virtanen, specialist in forensic medicine from the National Institute for Health and Welfare, for forensic medicine consultations and Mrs Aune Hulkkonen from the Centre for Military Medicine for her assistance.

Declaration of interest:

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.