Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the suicide risk among Former US Olympians, according to their medal status and their sport, compared to the general population. METHODS: All female (n = 2,301) and male (n = 5,823) US athletes who participated in at least one summer or winter Olympic Games between 1912 and 2012 were followed until 2016 (the latest rates for specific mortality). Olympians' life statuses and causes of deaths were certified by the National Death Index and coded to the version of the International Classification of Diseases that was in effect at the time of their death. Intentional, self-inflicted deaths among Olympians were analyzed through the years lost/saved method accounting for their medal status and their sport. The model was adjusted by sex, age, and period, in relation to the general population. RESULTS: Overall 2,309 deaths occurred; the cause underlying 29 deaths was suicide (1 woman, 28 men). The cumulative probability of deaths for this cause was significantly lower among former US Olympians compared to the general population (p = 2.6e-08) for all ages between 20 and 90 years. The risk of death by suicide among former Olympians did not differ based on their medal status at the Olympics. Athletics, rowing, fencing, shooting, and swimming could be individually analyzed as each of these sports had more than 100 overall deaths. Olympians engaged in athletics, rowing, and swimming presented diminished suicide risk. Fencing displayed equivalent rates to the general population, and shooting had higher trends. However, limited power existed for significant statistical testing. CONCLUSION: Former US Olympians presented lower suicide risk compared to the general population, whether they were an Olympic medalist or not. The only sport presenting higher trends is shooting.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call