Predictors of suicidal ideation in Italian veterinarians

Giorgia Varallo; Andrea Zagaria; Valentina Baldini; Alessandro Schianchi; Marta Brscic; Matteo Panero; Christian Franceschini; Adriano Schimmenti; Alessandro Musetti

doi:10.1038/s41598-024-68330-w

Scientific Reports (Jul 2024)

Predictors of suicidal ideation in Italian veterinarians

Giorgia Varallo,
Andrea Zagaria,
Valentina Baldini,
Alessandro Schianchi,
Marta Brscic,
Matteo Panero,
Christian Franceschini,
Adriano Schimmenti,
Alessandro Musetti

Affiliations

Giorgia Varallo: Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Andrea Zagaria: Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome
Valentina Baldini: Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia
Alessandro Schianchi
Marta Brscic: Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padova
Matteo Panero: Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, Eating Disorders Center, University of Turin
Christian Franceschini: Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma
Adriano Schimmenti: Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE - Kore University of Enna
Alessandro Musetti: Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68330-w
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 14, no. 1
pp. 1 – 10

Abstract

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Abstract Suicide represents a significant problem for healthcare professionals such as veterinarians. Previous studies showed that contextual and individual risk factors can contribute to suicidality among veterinarians. In the present study, self-report measures on exposure to animal euthanasia, substance abuse, reflective functioning, and suicidal ideation were administered to 1556 Italian veterinarians aged 24–74 years old. Structural equation modelling revealed that failures in reflective functioning and substance abuse were associated with suicidal ideation. Prevention programs focusing on improving reflective functioning and decreasing substance abuse might reduce suicide risk among veterinarians.

Published in Scientific Reports

ISSN: 2045-2322 (Online)
Publisher: Nature Portfolio
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Medicine; Science
Website: https://www.nature.com/srep/

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