Soldiers suicides risk factors in the Serbian Army Forces

Abstract

Suicide risk factors in soldiers are primary in their immature personality organization, its relation with family and military environment factors which, in coexistence with actual life accidents, result in suicide as a consequence. A suicide prevention program in Serbian Army Forces should be designed to prevent multiple suicide risk factors.

Gender differences in suicide in Serbia within the period 2006-2010

“…With regard to gender, males 5.6 times more often than females committed suicide by firearm and almost twice more often by sharp and blunt objects and by gas poisoning. Suicide by firearm was a method usually characteristic for the military population 21,22 , and possession of firearm often illegal in the civil population is a consequence of keeping firearm as a "trophy" after taking part in wars. On the other hand, females unlike males, almost four times more often committed suicide by poisoning either with solid or liquid substances, three times more often by strangling or drowning, and twice more often by jump from height.…”

Psychological autopsy study comparing suicide decedents, suicide ideators, and propensity score matched controls: results from the study to assess risk and resilience in service members (Army STARRS)

“…Only a handful of psychological autopsy studies have been conducted with military samples, most of which are characterized by the inclusion of small samples (e.g., <40 cases), low response rates, and non-standardized assessment instruments, limiting the inferences that can be drawn from the results of these studies (Dedic and Panic, 2010, Farberow et al, 1990, Orbach et al, 2007). Moreover, many prior psychological autopsy studies have used either no control condition, or have included as controls people who have died from other causes (e.g., accidents, natural death), or people with a psychiatric disorder (Cavanagh et al, 2003).…”