Abstract

Aims: Suicide is not a random event among soldiers and happens as a result of a course of thoughts, behaviors, circumstances and inter-personal relations which mostly originate from some time before the military training period. The goal of the present research was to determine the background factors of suicide and self-mutilation among soldiers of a military unit. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on all soldiers of a military unit that had attempted suicide or self-mutilation from 2004 to 2007. Samples were selected by census method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire. The required data were extracted from the suicide and selfmutilation files and were analyzed by SPSS 17 software using descriptive statistical methods and analytical tests such as Chi-Square test. Results: 44 of the studied individuals had the history of self-mutilation or committing suicide. The most frequent background factors of self-mutilation and suicide were mental disorders (37.2). family problems (36.7), challenges with co-workers and work environment (13.8). Majority of suicides were committed in winter. The suicide methods were use of firearms (49.9), stabbing (25.2), taking drugs (18.5), hanging up (4.4), taking oil and hand-washing liquid (1.2) and a jumping from height (0.9). Conclusions: According to the obtained background factors, soldiers should be screened by the time of arrival at military environments and at regular intervals. Preventive interventions such as training, consultation and psychotherapy should be also performed.