Relation Between Traumatic Events and Suicide Attempts in Canadian Military Personnel

This study examined whether exposure to particular types of traumatic events was differentially associated with suicide attempts in a representative sample of active Canadian military personnel. Respondents were asked about exposure to 28 traumatic events that occurred during their lifetime. Suicide attempts were measured using a question about whether the person ever attempted suicide or tried to take his or her own life. The prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts was 2.2% & 5.6% for men & women, respectively. Sexual & other interpersonal traumas were significantly associated with suicide attempts in both men & women, even after adjusting for sociodemographics & mental disorders. Additionally, the number of traumatic events experienced was positively associated with increased risk of suicide attempts. (61 refs.)