Predictors for suicidal ideation after occupational injury

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Trauma and negative life events are linked to suicide risk.
• Occupational injuries can be traumatic and lead to adverse psychological outcomes.
• Understanding suicidal ideation post-injury is vital for worker well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation among workers hospitalized after occupational injuries.
• To identify risk factors associated with suicidal ideation in this population.
• To calculate the population attributable risk (PAR) for identified risk factors.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 4498 workers hospitalized for occupational injuries (≥3 days) was surveyed 3 months post-injury.
• A self-reported questionnaire assessed demographic data, injury details, and suicidal ideation.
• 2001 completed questionnaires were analyzed using logistic regression for risk factor identification.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 8.3% among surveyed workers.
• Significant risk factors included severe self-rated injury, longer hospital stays (≥8 days), intracranial injury, and divorced/separated/widowed marital status.
• Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) ranged from 1.98 to 2.70, with population attributable risks (aPAR) up to 34.7%.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of workers experience suicidal ideation three months after an occupational injury.
• Broken marriage, intracranial injury, injury severity, and prolonged hospitalization are key predictors.
• Early identification and intervention for high-risk individuals are essential to mitigate suicide risk.