Veterinarians in Australia have one of the highest expected suicide rates among other professions.
A study in the Australian Veterinary Journal published by Wiley-Blackwell finds that vets are four times more likely to commit suicide as
compared to the general adult population- thus highlighting the need
for a thorough investigation into the rate of suicide and its
contributing factors.
The study entitled "Suicide in Australian Veterinarians" is the first
published study to report on actual suicide rates for this professional
group. The researchers examined official records for the causes of
death when ascertaining actual suicide numbers and behavioral patterns
among vets.
Lead author Dr. Helen Jones-Fairnie of Curtin University in Perth,
Australia says, "While doctors and dentists are among professional
groups that have been cited to have high suicide rates in Australia,
there are currently no published studies reporting the actual suicide
rates among Australian vets, and no official comparison of these rates
against other professional groups."
"In view of the apparently high suicide rate among veterinarians,
further research using the total Australian population should be
undertaken. In addition, accurate data on which statistics are based on
are also needed to allow informed judgments and appropriate response to
be made", said Dr. Jones-Fairnie.
She added, "A more representative sample is needed to determine if the
suicide rate is as high as indicated and if stress and depression play
a contributing role to suicide. In the meantime, the dissemination of
information about distress and suicide should be balanced with advice
on how to alleviate distress among veterinarians and where to obtain
the most appropriate support and mentoring."
About Australian Veterinary Journal
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research.
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