306 – 306 - Speed: SPAAC Session II
ASCEND for Veteran Suicide Prevention: Evaluating Sample Design and Response Characteristics of a National Veteran Survey Surveillance System
Evan Herring-Nathan
NORC at the University of Chicago
Veteran suicide rates are high relative to the general adult population and suicide prevention is the top clinical priority for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Assessing Social and Community Environments with National Data (ASCEND) for Veteran Suicide Prevention aims to inform improved veteran suicide prevention initiatives through survey-based surveillance of non-fatal suicidal self-directed violence (i.e., suicidal ideation [SI] and suicide attempt [SA]). The ASCEND pilot provided information necessary for designing Wave 1 of the national survey to ensure precise estimates of SI and SA at the state level and for historically underrepresented veteran sub-populations (i.e., females, rural, and recently separated veterans) can be achieved. Leveraging the USVETS database, the sample design was evaluated for its ability to reach targets for key demographic groups. The quality of the administrative data that comprises USVETS is examined for insight into coverage issues. Refinement of the sample design is considered along with the anticipated effects of incorporating a secondary frame source to provide more complete coverage of the recently separated veteran population.