title: Psychosocial factors associated with suicidal ideation among young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with suicidal ideation among young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service in Finland.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved a total of 356 men exempted from military or civil service. The research data were collected using questionnaires and register data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One third of the young men exempted from compulsory military or civil service reported serious suicidal ideation. Of the men with serious suicidal ideation, one third had attempted suicide. Various childhood adversities and current stressful life events and problems were associated with suicidal ideation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were independently associated with suicidal ideation: maternal alcohol-related problems, changes in the family, discord with the boss over the past 12 months, and lack of social support. Accumulation of problems predicted suicidal ideation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Men exempted from compulsory military or civil service comprise an important target group in the prevention of suicide. In order to prevent suicidal behaviour among young men at risk, it is important to address the significance of social support and relationships, and likewise to be aware of early risk indicators such as maternal alcohol-related problems.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland. kaija.appelqvist@thl.fi
authors.forename: Kaija
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Appelqvist-Schmidlechner
authors.forename: Markus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Henriksson
authors.forename: Matti
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Joukamaa
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Parkkola
authors.forename: Maila
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Upanne
authors.forename: Eija
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stengård
mesh_terms: D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008889:Military Personnel; D010560:Personnel Selection; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D012940:Social Problems; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult