Suicide and occupation in New Zealand, 2001-2005

Emerging evidence for the role of occupation in suicide risk prompted this analysis. All suicide records in New Zealand between 2001 and 2005 were reviewed. Age- and sex-adjusted suicide rates were calculated for nine major occupational groups. Rates for those not in paid work were adjusted for sex only. A total of 2,024 suicide cases were reviewed. People engaged in paid work had one-fourth of the suicide rate of the non-waged (p < 0.005). Those working in farming, fisheries, or forestry and trades had higher suicide rates than people in other occupations. Homemakers and people with office jobs had the lowest suicide rates. Occupation influenced suicide rates. The continuing disparity in suicide rates between non-waged and waged workers is of particular concern and needs to be addressed. Farmers and trades workers should be monitored more closely.