摘要：Suicides are increasing among active duty US Army soldiers. To help focus prevention strategies, we characterized 56 US Army suicides that occurred from 2005 to 2007 in 17 US states using 2 large-scale surveillance systems. We found that intimate partner problems and military-related stress, particularly job stress, were common among decedents. Many decedents were also identified as having suicidal ideation, a sad or depressed mood, or a recent crisis before death. Focusing efforts to prevent these forms of stress might reduce suicides among soldiers. In recent years, the suicide rate has increased among US Army active duty personnel. 1,2 The estimated suicide rate for this population nearly doubled from 2004 to 2008 (from 10.8 to 20.2 per 100 000). 1,2 Mental health conditions, substance abuse problems, certain physical health problems (e.g., cancer, chronic pain), and financial, legal, and relationship problems are risk factors for suicide among civilian and military populations. 3–14 Building on this research, we used data from 2 large-scale surveillance systems to assess the frequency of these factors as well as other military-related stresses (e.g., recent combat exposure, job problems, disciplinary proceedings) among suicide decedents who were on active duty in the US Army and residing in the United States to determine the most prevalent circumstances preceding suicide for this population. A better understanding of the most common preceding circumstances among the number of known risk factors for suicide might help focus military suicide prevention initiatives. 15,16
