Veteran Suicides in Oklahoma, 2005 – 2012

BACKGROUND: According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, in 2010, an estimated 22 veterans died by suicide each day in the U.S. In Oklahoma, suicide is the third leading cause of injury death. Among persons 15-34 years of age, it is the second leading cause of all deaths. According to data captured on the death certificate, 22% of suicide victims 18 and older in Oklahoma were veterans (served in the U.S. Armed Forces); veterans represent 12% of the population. From 2005-2012, the rate of veteran suicide increased 34% from 32.2 per 100,000 veteran population to 43.1. This study examines circumstances related to veteran suicides by life stage in Oklahoma and evaluates risk factors associated with veteran suicides compared to non-veteran suicides.

METHODS: Oklahoma Violent Death Reporting System suicide data for 2005-2012 were analyzed for victims aged 18 years and older. Veteran status from the death certificate was used to classify veterans and non-veterans. Frequencies of suicide circumstances (physical health problems, intimate partner problem, current depressed mood, etc.) were calculated to describe veteran suicide across life stages. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with suicide among veterans compared to non-veterans. Variables included in the model were suicide circumstances, gender, race, age, educational attainment level, and marital status. All rates were calculated using U.S. Census Bureau populations for veterans and non-veterans in Oklahoma.

RESULTS: The average annual veteran suicide rate (39.2) in Oklahoma was two times higher than the rate among non-veterans (18.2). Physical health problems were a contributing factor in 44% of veteran suicides and 22% of non-veteran suicides. Suicide circumstances varied by life stage; physical health problems were more common among older veterans, while intimate partner problems were more common among younger veterans. According to multiple logistic regression, compared to non-veteran suicide victims, veteran suicide victims were more likely to be male and older. Veteran suicide victims also had higher educational attainment levels and were more likely to be single/never married than non-veteran suicide victims.

CONCLUSIONS: Understanding risk factors and circumstances of veteran suicides, especially by life stage, may provide insight for targeted suicide prevention. The relationship between educational level, marital status, and veteran suicide warrants further study. Data linkage to information on service branch, combat status, and contact with the Veterans Administration health system would provide valuable information on risk factors and mental health.