Suicidal Ideation, Planning, and Attempts among Canadian Coast Guard and Conservation and Protection Officers

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Mental Health Research
• Public Safety Personnel Studies

Background:

• Canadian public safety personnel (PSP) face unique occupational stressors.
• Limited data exists on suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts within specific PSP groups like the Canadian Coast Guard and Conservation Officers.
• Understanding mental health challenges in these sectors is crucial for targeted support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the prevalence of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts in Canadian Coast Guard personnel and Canadian Conservation and Protection Officers.
• To examine sociodemographic factors and mental health disorder symptoms associated with suicidal behaviors in this population.
• To compare findings with the general Canadian population and other PSP sectors.

Main Methods:

• A self-report survey was administered to 385 participants.
• Data collected included lifetime and past-year estimates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts.
• Information on sociodemographics and mental health disorder symptoms (MDD, GAD, SAD, PTSD, PD) was also gathered.

Main Results:

• Lifetime prevalence: 25.7% ideation, 10.9% planning, 5.5% attempts.
• Past-year prevalence: 7.5% ideation, 2.1% planning (attempts too few to report).
• Higher rates than the general population, comparable to other PSP sectors. Significant associations found between suicidal behaviors and MDD, GAD, SAD, PTSD, and PD.

Conclusions:

• Canadian Coast Guard and Conservation Officers exhibit significant rates of suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts.
• Mental health conditions are strongly linked to suicidal behaviors in this occupational group.
• Findings underscore the need for tailored prevention and intervention strategies for these personnel.