Comparison of army personnel with single versus multiple suicidality events

Individuals who experience repeated suicidality (ideation, self-harm and attempted suicide) are more at risk of future death by suicide and are often more clinically complex than those with a single suicidality event. Despite this, repeated suicidality appears to be under-researched in military populations.

This study compares Australian Army personnel who experience one episode of suicidality to those who experience multiple events using army administrative records from 2012 to 2021. Demographics, event characteristics and outcome variables are presented.

While similar demographically, those with multiple events were significantly more likely to engage in: self-harm or suicide attempt, to use alcohol or substances around the event, to avoid military locations and support networks around the event, and were significantly less likely to make a successful return to work.

Repeat suicidality represents a key opportunity to reduce suicidality morbidity and mortality in the Australian Army. Enhanced data surveillance, reducing the use of alcohol and substances and targeted management and transition protocols may assist in reducing the incidence. Implications for the army and future research directions are discussed.