Suicide mortality by occupation in Canada, 1991-2001

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Suicide remains a significant public health concern globally.
• Understanding occupational risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
• Previous research has indicated potential links between employment and suicide risk, but findings vary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between specific occupations and suicide risk in a Canadian working-age population.
• To explore the relationship between occupational skill level and suicide mortality rates.

Main Methods:

• A 15% sample of noninstitutionalized Canadians aged 30-69 was followed for 11 years.
• Age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) and rate ratios were calculated for 80 occupational groups and 5 skill levels.
• Analysis included occupationally active individuals and those not occupationally active.

Main Results:

• Suicide mortality rates were higher in occupationally active men (20.1/100,000 person-years) than women (5.3/100,000 person-years).
• Nine male and four female occupational groups showed elevated suicide mortality; six male groups showed protective effects.
• A moderate inverse relationship was found between ASMRs for suicide and occupational skill level for both sexes.

Conclusions:

• Specific occupational characteristics, apart from skill level, appear to have limited influence on suicide risk.
• Occupational skill level presents a moderate gradient in suicide mortality risk.
• Workplace suicide prevention should focus on restricting access to lethal means, a proven intervention.