Suicidality, depression, and anxiety among Hong Kong veterinarians: a quantitative pilot study

Abstract

Abstract Objective The suicidality and poor mental health conditions of the veterinary profession have drawn increasing attention; however, little is known about the mental health status of veterinarians in Hong Kong. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of suicidality and symptoms of depression and anxiety among Hong Kong veterinarians. Methods All veterinarians were registered and practising in Hong Kong at the time of recruitment to the e-survey study between 1 January 2022 and 31 March 2022. Participants’ suicidality, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms were assessed using validated scales. Results Data from 56 participants were included in the analysis. Among them, 22.0% self-reported as at risk of suicide, 19.6% had current suicidal ideation, 29.4% had depressive symptoms, 29.4% and anxiety symptoms, and 23.5% were comorbid with depression and anxiety. Our findings were comparable to or higher than those reported in Anglophone and European countries. Conclusion Contextual factors affecting the mental health of veterinarians practising in Hong Kong are worth further investigation. It is important to enhance mental health awareness by improving the profession’s mental health literacy as a suicide prevention strategy.