Cannabis use and suicide risk among Gulf War veterans

Abstract

Cannabis use has been indicated as a risk factor for suicide in veterans. This study of Gulf War veterans tested the relationship between self-report past year cannabis use and (a) past year suicidal ideation and (b) risk for suicidal behavior. Data were from a national sample (N = 1126) of Gulf War veterans. Logistic regression models indicated cannabis use was associated with past year suicidal ideation and elevated risk for suicidal behavior, independent of key covariates. In corroboration with research on other military populations, this study indicates a potentially concerning association between cannabis use and suicide risk in Gulf War veterans.

Data availability statement

Due to the nature of this research, participants of this study did not agree for their data to be shared publicly, so supporting data is not available.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by grant I01HX001682 from the Health Services Research and Development Service from the VA Office of Research and Development, which was awarded to Drs. Kimbrel and Pugh. Drs. Griffin and Halverson were each supported by a VA Office of Academic Affiliations Advanced Fellowship in Mental Illness Research and Treatment. Dr. Beckham was supported by a Senior Research Career Scientist award from VA Clinical Sciences Research and Development (IK6BX00377). Dr. Pugh was funded by a Research Career Scientist Award from VA Health Services Research and Development (IK6HX002608). Dr. Grove was funded by NIH NIAAA Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health (3R01AA027520-03S1).