Nonfatal Suicidal Behaviors among Former Active Duty Servicemembers—United States, 2013–2019

Abstract

Examine characteristics associated with increased odds of nonfatal suicidal behaviors among former active-duty servicemembers (F-ADSM) using data from the 2013–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). F-ADSM were respondents who reported being separated/retired from the military and previously serving on active-duty. For each outcome of interest (suicidal ideation, made a suicide plan, made a suicide attempt), we used multivariable logistic regression with backwards elimination to identify characteristics with statistically significant associations. In the 12 months preceding the survey, 3.6% of F-ADSM reported suicidal ideation, 1.0% reported making a plan, and 0.3% reported making a suicide attempt. There were increased odds of self-reported suicide attempts among F-ADSM who were female; aged 18–49 years; non-Hispanic black; gay or bisexual; divorced/separated or widowed; not employed; in poverty; binged alcohol in the past month; or ever had a major depressive episode. Suicide can be prevented through a comprehensive, upstream approach addressing veteran’s holistic needs to prevent them from becoming suicidal in the first place, and support veterans at increased risk.

Keywords:

• Suicide
• self-harm
• veteran
• military

Disclosure statement

The findings and conclusions in this manuscript are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.