Alarmingly, veterinarians in Australia are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide compared to the general population, yet there is no national data on suicidality within the profession.
Dr Alena Gadoury from Griffith University’s School of Applied Psychology is conducting research with the aim of uncovering the prevalence of suicidal thoughts, intents and plans amongst veterinarians in Australia.
“The study also aims to identify the risk and protective factors that may be contributing,” Dr Gadoury said.
“By combining established suicide theory with a public health framework, and using a mixed methods design, we are taking a rigorous and holistic approach to understanding this complex and urgent issue within the profession.
“As part of the research, I’m hoping to hear from industry professionals from all clinical and non-clinical registered veterinarians in Australia across every stage of their career, from new graduates to retired vets.
“Every voice matters regardless of whether participants have experienced suicidal thoughts.”
Once the data is collated, the findings of the survey will directly inform evidence-based suicidal prevention strategies tailored to the veterinarian profession.
It will guide training programs, shape workplace culture and support practice and policy change at both the organisation and industry levels.
The findings have the potential to expand our understanding, strengthen future research capability, and create new opportunities to implement meaningful change with the ultimate goal of reducing suicide and saving lives.
“With limited existing data and major knowledge gaps in our understanding, there is currently little to guide solutions,” Dr Gadoury said.
“By generating robust, representative evidence, we can move beyond assumptions and design real-world interventions which foster safer and more sustainable work environments for veterinarians.”
Survey participants will respond to a range of validated and reliable measures using a Likert scale covering topics such as psychosocial wellbeing, suicide ideation, workplace factors, moral injurious events, and a variety of risk and protective factors.
Participation is anonymous and the survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Click here to take part in the survey.
