Is Cumulative Exposure to Suicide Attempts and Deaths a Risk Factor for Suicidal Behavior Among Firefighters? A Preliminary Study.

Kimbrel NA, Pennington ML, Cammarata CM, Leto F, Ostiguy WJ, Gulliver SB. Is Cumulative Exposure to Suicide Attempts and Deaths a Risk Factor for Suicidal Behavior Among Firefighters? A Preliminary Study. Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior. 2016 Dec 1; 46(6):669-677.

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Abstract:

The association between cumulative exposure to suicide attempts and deaths and suicidal behavior was examined in a sample of 61 professional firefighters. On average, firefighters reported 13.1 (SD  =  16.6) exposures over the course of their lifetime. Cumulative exposure to suicide attempts and deaths was positively correlated with suicidal behavior (r  =  .38, p  =  .004). Moreover, firefighters with 12+ exposures were more likely to screen positive for risk of suicidal behavior (OR  =  7.885, p  =  .02). Additional research on the potential impact of cumulative exposure to suicide attempts and deaths on firefighters'' health and safety is needed.