Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Suicide in Veterinary Surgeons

A systematic review was done of studies of rates & methods of suicide in the veterinary profession. Data from 19 studies were extracted by 2 independent reviewers & analysed. Between 0 & 43% of veterinary surgeon deaths were by suicide. In all but one of the 15 studies presenting risk of suicide in veterinary surgeons with a comparison population, an elevated risk was found. Studies with the lowest risk of bias indicated that in the United Kingdom, the rate of suicide in the veterinary profession was at least 3 times the general population rate. Access to means of suicide influences the methods used & may contribute to increased risk. (33 refs.) JA

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