Age Differences in Suicide Risk Factors Among Veterans: Findings From the National Violent Death Reporting System

Veterans are more likely die by suicide than nonveterans (Kaplan et al. 2007). Very little is known about the factors that distinguish suicide in different age groups among veterans. This study investigated age differences in suicide risk factors and precipitating circumstances among veteran suicide decedents. Data from the 2003-06 National Violent Death Reporting System (n = 25,692) were analyzed to assess the rates and factors associated with completed suicide among male veterans aged 18 years and older. Behavioral health, life events, and toxicological data were collected via medical examiners, local police, and death certificates. The overall suicide rate was 29.6 per 100,000 compared to 19.4 per 100,000 among nonveterans. The highest suicide rate occurred among men aged 18-34 (48.9 per 100,000). Veteran suicide decedents between the ages 18-34 were then compared with those aged 35-44, 45-64, and 65+ using multinomial logistic regression to examine the association between risk factors and circumstances surrounding suicide by age. The results showed that the youngest suicide decedents were more likely to have experienced a crisis (e.g., relationship problems), while middle aged and older veteran suicide decedents were more likely to have had health problems. Older age was also significantly associated with the use of firearms as a predominant suicide method. Firearms were involved in as many as 80 percent of suicides among veterans aged 65+. The presentation will provide recommendations to reduce risk of suicide and suggest directions for future research in the veteran population.