VA’s Office of Research and Development released three News Briefs detailing significant findings on suicide risk, mortality rates, and arthritis treatment in Veterans. A study from the VA Connecticut Healthcare System revealed that social adversity greatly increases suicide risk. Researchers analyzed over 4,000 Veterans and found those in the highest 5% of social adversity were over 20 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts compared to those in the lowest 5%. Each increase in social adversity was linked to a significant rise in suicidal ideations and attempts.

Additionally, a study from VA Portland showed that Veterans undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography at VA facilities had a lower risk of death compared to those receiving the procedure through community care. Veterans in community care faced higher odds of death from any cause, cardiac causes, and non-cardiac causes within 30 days.

Finally, research involving nearly 3,000 Veterans indicated that managing rheumatoid arthritis can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis and related fractures. Veterans with arthritis in remission had half the fracture risk compared to those with moderate to high disease activity. These findings underscore the importance of addressing social determinants of health and improving treatment protocols for Veterans.