Past Childhood Abuse and Present Alcohol Use as Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempt in United States Military Active Duty Personnel, 2008.

摘要

Suicide rates across the United States Department of Defense (DoD) were higher than the national average in 2007 and 2008. Two risk factors for suicide that put the DoD population at increased risk are male gender and younger age. Identifying additional risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt provides more precise target areas for prevention. The 2008 DoD Health Related Behaviors Survey (HRBS) of active duty military revealed a high prevalence of members with past childhood abuse and a notable rate of current heavy drinking among members. Prior studies in the general population demonstrated associations between childhood abuse or alcohol abuse and suicidal ideation or suicide attempt. Little is known, however, about these associations in military populations or about the combined effect of both factors (past childhood abuse and current alcohol use). Using the HRBS, associations were investigated between suicidal ideation or suicide attempt and (1) past childhood abuse, (2) present alcohol use, and (3) the two factors combined. Positive associations were found including a three-fold increased risk in those who experienced both past childhood abuse and present alcohol use.