Non-Fatal Suicidal Self-Directed Violence among U.S. Veterans (2022): The Assessing Social and Community Environments with National Data (ASCEND) for Veteran Suicide Prevention Study

From 2001-2021, the age- and sex-adjusted Veteran suicide rate increased 76.3%. Surveillance of suicidal ideation (SI) and non-fatal suicidal self-directed violence (NF-SSDV) is a critical component of public health-oriented suicide prevention efforts. To facilitate national NF-SSDV surveillance, a biennial, population-based survey was initiated: Assessing Social and Community Environments with National Data (ASCEND) for Veteran Suicide Prevention. 17,396 Veterans participated in the first large-scale ASCEND survey (2022). This manuscript reports on SI and NF-SSDV prevalence among Veterans residing in the continental U.S., Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Lifetime SI was reported by 31.98% (95%CI=30.97-32.99), post-military SI by 25.88% (95%CI=24.91-26.85) and past-year SI by 12.69% (95%CI=11.90-13.47). The most commonly considered SI method among those with past-year SI was gunshot. Additionally, 34.42% (95%CI=33.07-35.78) of Veterans with lifetime SI reported lifetime preparatory behaviors. Moreover, 9.13% (95%CI=8.43-9.82) of Veterans reported lifetime interrupted attempts. Lifetime suicide attempts (SA) were reported by 6.99% (95%CI=6.41-7.56) of Veterans, with 4.88% (95%CI=4.39-5.36) reporting post-military SA. The most common method in prior attempts was medication overdose. ASCEND provides a novel opportunity to elucidate the prevalence of SI and different types of NF-SSDV in the Veteran population. Recurring administration will elucidate changes in SI and NF-SSDV prevalence in the Veteran population over time.