Systematic review of the prevalence of suicide in veterinary surgeons
Occupational MedicinePublished 30 June 2010
Belinda Platt, Keith Hawton, Sue Simkin, Richard J. Mellanby
Citations154
SJR quartileQ2
SJR score0.65
SNIP0.71
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TL;DR
There appears to be an elevated risk of suicide for veterinary surgeons in several countries, and studies of the methods veterinary surgeons use suggest that self-poisoning and firearms are particularly common.
Abstract
There appears to be an elevated risk of suicide for veterinary surgeons in several countries. Access to means of suicide influences the methods used and may contribute to increased risk.
Keywords
Social SciencesMedicineHealth Professions
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