Risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation and suicidal behaviour among Danish veteran soldiers stationed abroad

Background

Until now, only sparse and older research concerning suicidal behaviour among Danish soldiers dispatched to Ex-Yugoslavia in the 1990s exists. We lack research-based knowledge about soldiers dispatched to Iraq and Afghanistan. Swedish and Norwegian studies are based on older material; also, they focus on risk factors. The new Danish project includes soldiers who have been dispatched within recent years and who may have been stationed in turbulent zones and experienced hostile activities. This project focuses on both risk and protective factors thus filling a gap in the current knowledge.

Objective

The objective of the project is to uncover, analyse and illuminate risk and protective factors for attempted and completed suicides and suicidal ideation among dispatched Danish soldiers.

Method

A triangular research method

• Register-based research
• Survey based on questionnaires
• Interview study

Project cooperation

The project is carried out in cooperation with the FSU (Defence Health Service).

Status

The project ends in 2011.

The project has been coupled with Vulnerable Phases in Life.

Contact

Ph.D., Director of centre, Lilian Zoellner, , Centre for Suicide Research.

Opening hours

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