CHARACTERISTICS of Suicide Ideation and Suicide Attempts AMONG Homeless Veterans

Previous research has identified an increased risk of death from external cause, including suicide, among persons who are homeless or at risk for homelessness. However, comparatively little is known about the prevalence or characteristics of suicide ideation among members of this population. The main objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and characteristics of suicide ideation among Veterans who were homeless or at risk for homelessness Methods: Data on individual characteristics and suicide ideation or attempts were obtained from screening assessments delivered to 55,488 Veterans who were homeless or at risk for homelessness between the years 2007-2009. Prevalence estimates for suicide ideation and attempts were obtained from self-report measures of these outcomes in the 30 days prior to assessment. Results: Between 2007 and 2009 the 30 day prevalence for suicide ideation and attempt were 12.2% and 3.3%. Reports of any suicide ideation or attempt were significantly higher among younger Veterans, those with history of depression, anxiety, or more than one psychiatric diagnosis. Overall, the prevalence of suicide ideation and attempts decreased with the length of the most recent homeless episode. Statistically significant increases in the associations between suicide ideation or attempts and were identified for those without fixed housing (OR: 1.18, 95%CI:1.11-1.25) or temporary housing (OR: 1.17, 95%CI:1.06-1.29). Discussion: Results from this study suggest an increased prevalence of suicide ideation and attempts when compared to estimates of these same outcomes in the U.S. general population and provide support for the provision of housing services as a component of a multi-faceted suicide prevention strategy.