Risk Factors for Suicide in Wives of Military Personnel

Background

An increasing trend in attempted and completed suicide amongst wives of serving personnel was observed.

Methods

A questionnaire designed to elicit the known risk-factors for suicide, suicide attempts and suicidal ideation by women in the Indian context was administered to 222 wives of Indian military personnel living in a garrison with their husbands.

Result

A large number (28%) of the sample were child-less. Alcoholism in husband was reported by 22 women and domestic violence by four. Six had been bereaved in the past year. Chronic illness was reported by 10 women and psychiatric illness by four.

Conclusion

Wives of military personnel may need targeted community interventions focusing on the risk factors for suicide.Key Words: Suicide: Community, Risk-factors, Wives of military personnel