Suicide Mortality Patterns in Greek Work Force before and during the Economic Crisis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sociology

Background:

• The 2007 global recession prompted research into potential increases in suicide rates among employed individuals.
• This study updates previous research on suicide mortality in Greece, focusing on the period encompassing the initial economic crisis (2000-2013).

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine suicide mortality trends across broad occupational groups in Greece during the 2000-2013 period, with a focus on the economic crisis years (2010-2013).
• To identify specific occupations and demographic groups experiencing elevated suicide risks associated with economic austerity.

Main Methods:

• Utilized national statistical data (ELSTAT) for suicide deaths (ICD-10 codes X60-X84) in age groups 15-59 from 2000-2013.
• Calculated Comparative Mortality Ratios (CMR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to compare suicide risks across occupational groups and time periods.

Main Results:

• Clerks (male and female) showed high and increasing CMRs during the crisis period (2010-2013).
• Males in elementary, agricultural, fishery, and armed forces groups had high ratios throughout, but decreased during the crisis.
• Managers, executives, and directors (male and female) exhibited increasing CMR trends during the crisis. Females aged 50-59 in specific professional and technical roles also showed increased ratios.

Conclusions:

• Austerity-related stress is a significant factor potentially increasing suicide risk in employed populations.
• Highlights the need for targeted mental health and suicide prevention strategies for vulnerable occupational groups during economic downturns.