Factors that impact risk for suicide in U.S. veterans: Exploring differences between men and women

Suicide remains a significant challenge in the U.S. veteran population. The study explored factors that increase risk for suicide in men and women veterans. Data were collected online from 3188 Southern California Veterans. Respondents completed measures of loneliness, depression, PTSD, social support, physical health, pain, sleep problems, and suicide risk. Bivariate logistic regressions were performed with all variables and suicide risk. Significant variables were then included in a multivariate regression analysis. Veterans who were men and met the criteria for probable loneliness, depression, and PTSD, reported low social support, poor physical health, pain, insomnia, increased alcohol use, suicide exposure, and housing insecurities were at increased risk of suicidality. Most variables remained significantly associated with suicide when included in the multivariate model. Women veterans had similar bivariate results; however, only depression and PTSD remained significant in the multivariate model. The findings demonstrate that men and women veterans may experience suicide risk differently, having important implications for suicide prevention.