Suicides in Massachusetts by Industry and Occupation, 2016-2019

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Suicide remains a significant public health concern among working-age populations.
• Understanding industry- and occupation-specific suicide risks is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze suicide deaths among working-age residents in Massachusetts.
• To identify specific industries and occupations with elevated suicide rates.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Massachusetts Violent Death Reporting System and death certificates (2016-2019).
• Calculated suicide counts and rates stratified by demographics, industry, and occupation.

Main Results:

• 2,199 working-age Massachusetts residents died by suicide.
• Higher suicide rates were observed in males, older adults (65+), White, non-Hispanic individuals, and those with military backgrounds.
• The construction industry and construction/extraction occupations showed higher suicide rates than the average worker.

Conclusions:

• Suicide rates vary significantly across different industries and occupations.
• Work-related factors likely contribute to these disparities, necessitating tailored outreach and intervention programs.