International comparative study on suicidal tendency among veterinarians

Abstract

The suicide rate among veterinarians is twice that of any other medical profession and four times that of the general population. The present study examines the main factors contributing to suicidal ideation and the prevalence of suicidal tendencies among veterinarians in Hungary, Finland, Sweden, Germany, and a small sample of veterinarians in other Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, and Estonia). The survey was carried out using an online questionnaire and it examined how country, age, gender, number of hours worked per week, job title and length of annual leave affects suicidal ideation among veterinarians.