Suicide Risk Factors Among Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technicians

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians' roles and responsibilities place them in dangerous and morally challenging situations, and they also experience disproportionately high suicide rates compared to both the general population and other military personnel. Although previous research has identified several risk factors for suicide among military personnel, the extent to which these factors apply to EOD technicians remains unclear.

This exploratory study examined the role of previously validated risk factors, such as those comprising the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS), in differentiating low- and high-risk EOD technicians. We gathered survey data from 698 EOD technicians using validated measures. We employed chi-squared analyses to identify demographic variables that significantly varied between low and high suicide risk EOD technicians.

Logistic regression analyses revealed that 2 factors of IPTS, acquired capability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.14, P < .01) and perceived burdensomeness (aOR = 1.07, P < .001), increased the odds of high suicide risk, even after controlling for demographic covariates. Moral injury similarly had a statistically significant effect on increased suicide risk (aOR = 1.05, P < .01). Additional demographic risk factors included being between the ages of 45-49 (aOR = 2.73, P < .01) and being legally separated (aOR = 2.63, P < .05).

Our preliminary findings highlight the necessity of targeted suicide prevention efforts that actively integrate both psychological variables as well as high-risk demographic characteristics. By identifying key differentiators of suicide risk among EOD technicians, this study contributes to the refinement of intervention strategies aimed at reducing military personnel suicide rates.