Securing lethal means for suicide: a focus group study exploring perceptions and barriers among practicing...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Public Health
• Occupational Safety

Background:

• Veterinarians exhibit higher suicide rates compared to the general population.
• Access to and knowledge of pentobarbital, a common suicide method, contributes to this risk.
• Means safety is a potential strategy to mitigate suicide risk in this profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the acceptability and feasibility of means safety protocols in veterinary workplaces.
• To identify effective strategies for reducing suicide risk among veterinarians.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of focus group discussions with 43 veterinarians.
• Pre- and post-test surveys to assess attitudes and willingness towards safety protocols.
• Recruitment via social media and listservs from diverse veterinary specialties in the US.

Main Results:

• 30% of veterinarians reported storing pentobarbital unlocked.
• Work-life balance and feeling overwhelmed were identified as key risk factors.
• An additional lockbox for pentobarbital/firearms was the most accepted safety method.
• Veterinarians showed increased willingness to implement storage changes and greater concern for coworkers' risk.

Conclusions:

• Means safety protocols, particularly enhanced storage security for pentobarbital, are feasible and acceptable in veterinary settings.
• Findings can inform policy and public messaging for suicide prevention in the veterinary profession.
• Addressing occupational stressors and normalizing mental health are crucial for veterinarian well-being.