Drivers of suicidal ideation among Greek military personnel

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore the effects of drug use, alcohol use, and psychiatric conditions on suicidal ideation among Greek military personnel. Design and Methods: A quantitative correlational survey design was applied, using data collected between January and September 2014 in the 414 Army Hospital in Athens. A number of officers and soldiers (n = 155) who were outpatients of the military psychiatric department completed a self-assessment questionnaire (CISQ-1 Triantafyllou, F., Giotakos, O., Tsouvelas, G., & Athanasiadou, A. (2014). CISQ-1: Primary findings from the questionnaire for the detection of critical psychopathological indicators in military personnel. E-poster presented at the World Federation for Mental Health Congress ‘Living with Schizophrenia’, Athens, Greece), which primarily focuses on the detection of critical psychopathological indicators and suicidal thoughts. An additional diagnosis was made by a psychiatrist. Results: A regression model revealed that participants who use drugs were more likely to exhibit suicidal thoughts. Moreover, those with affective disorders were more likely to exhibit suicidal ideation compared to persons with a negative diagnosis. The ones who drink occasionally were also more likely to display suicidal thoughts. Furthermore, in our predictive model affective disorder, personality disorder, and drug use associated with low wages were the strongest factors related to suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The Greek Armed Forces should undertake concentrated efforts in psychiatric and substances screening and develop suicide prevention programs with a focus on awareness and skill building.