Sociodemographic Correlates of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among College Student Service Members/Veterans

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the study is to quantify the lifetime, past-year, and past-month incidence rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts; frequency of suicide attempts; and suicide attempt methods among college student service members/veterans. Participants: Four hundred twenty-two college student service members/veterans completing an online survey from January to October 2013. Methods: An anonymous online survey was conducted. Results: Lifetime incidence rates were 33.4% (ideation), 13.7% (plan), and 6.9% (attempt). Past-year incidence rates were 14.7% (ideation), 3.6% (plan), and 0.7% (attempt). Past-month incidence rates were 7.6% (ideation), 1.9% (plan), and 0.5% (attempt). Rates among student service member/veterans were similar to general college student population rates. Native American student service members/veterans report significantly increased rates of ideation, plans, and attempts. Conclusions: Observed rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among student service members/veterans are comparable to general college study rates, but Native American student service members/veterans demonstrate increased risk.

Keywords:

• mental health, military, student, suicide, veterans

FUNDING

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States and received approval from the Institutional Review Board of the University of Utah.

NOTE

For comments and further information, address correspondence to Craig J. Bryan, National Center for Veterans Studies, The University of Utah, 260 S. Central Campus Drive, Room 205, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA (e-mail: [email protected]).