Evaluation of Non-Natural Deaths among Veterans: New Mexico Medical Examiner-Investigated Deaths, 2002-2011.
While it is recognized that veterans have increased rates of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide, and substance use disorders, rates of homicide and unintentional injury deaths in veterans have been minimally investigated. We evaluated all non-natural deaths in New Mexico veterans between 2002 and 2011 in comparison with non-natural deaths among non-veterans. We reviewed all decedents in New Mexico with a history of military service and investigated by the medical examiner, excluding natural deaths and deaths due to fall from standing height. The most common manner of death was unintentional injury (62%), most of these deaths due to motor vehicle accidents (29%) followed by unintentional overdose (26%). Suicide rates among veterans were consistently higher than the general population. The most common mechanism of suicide in men was gunshot wound (72%), and intentional overdose in women (49%). Services are needed for veterans that are tailored to all ages and both sexes.
['LeBlanc|Melissa R|MR|', 'Clifford|Camille P|CP|', 'Lathrop|Sarah L|SL|']
D000059:Accidents D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D002423:Cause of Death D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners D062787:Drug Overdose D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009516:New Mexico D012189:Retrospective Studies D017678:Sex Distribution D013405:Suicide D014728:Veterans D014947:Wounds and Injuries D055815:Young Adult
veterans suicide homicide unintentional injury epidemiology forensic science