Citation

Windsor-Shellard B, Gunnell D. Br. J. Psychiatry 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-6.

Affiliation

Professor of Epidemiology,Population Health Sciences,Bristol Medical School,University of Bristol; andNational Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Bristol National Health Service Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol,UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.2019.69

PMID

30929655

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous research has documented marked occupational differences in suicide risk, but these estimates are 10 years old and based on potentially biased risk assessments.AimsTo investigate occupation-specific suicide mortality in England, 2011-2015.

METHOD: Estimation of indirectly standardised mortality rates for occupations/occupational groups based on national data.

RESULTS: Among males the highest risks were seen in low-skilled occupations, particularly construction workers (standardised mortality ratio [SMR] 369, 95% CI 333-409); low-skilled workers comprised 17% (1784/10 688) of all male suicides (SMR 144, 95% CI 137-151). High risks were also seen among skilled trade occupations (SMR 135 95% CI 130-139; 29% of male suicides). There was no evidence of increased risk among some occupations previously causing concern: male healthcare professionals and farmers. Among females the highest risks were seen in artists (SMR 399, 95% CI 244-616) and bar staff (SMR 182, 95% CI 123-260); nurses also had an increased risk (SMR 123, 95% CI 104-145). People in creative occupations and the entertainment industry - artists (both genders), musicians (males) and actors (males) - were at increased risk, although the absolute numbers of deaths in these occupations were low. In males (SMR 192, 95% CI 165-221) and females (SMR 170, 95% CI 149-194), care workers were at increased risk and had a considerable number of suicide deaths.

CONCLUSIONS: Specific contributors to suicide in high-risk occupations should be identified and measures - such as workplace-based interventions - put in place to mitigate this risk. The construction industry seems to be an important target for preventive interventions.Declaration of interestNone.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; mortality; occupation; suicide prevention