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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Suicide | Research

Prevalence and associated risk factors for suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt among male construction workers in Ireland

Authors: Shane O’Donnell, Tom Egan, Nicholas Clarke, Noel Richardson

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Suicide among male construction workers are reported to be disproportionally high compared to the working age population. However, there is minimal understanding of the prevalence and associated factors for suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicide attempt among this occupational group globally.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a large sample of male construction workers in Ireland (n = 1,585). We investigated the prevalence of suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempts and sociodemographic, occupational, and mental health factors associated with these three outcomes. Multivariable Poisson regression was performed to estimate the prevalence rate ratio of suicidal ideation (model 1 primary outcome), while multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio of non-suicidal self-injury (model 2 primary outcome), and suicide attempt (model 3 primary outcome).

Results

The lifetime prevalence rate for suicidal ideation was 22%, 6% for non-suicidal self-injury, and 6% for suicide attempt. In univariate modelling, socio-demographic and occupation-specific factors associated with the three outcomes included younger age (suicidal ideation and non-suicidal self-injury), not being in a relationship (suicide attempt) and working 35–44 h per week (suicidal ideation and suicide attempt). The mental health factors generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and suicide bereavement were significantly associated with increased risk of the three outcomes. In fully adjusted multivariable models, increasing severity of generalized anxiety disorder and depression were associated with an increased prevalence rate ratio of suicidal ideation, and a higher odds ratio of non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt.

Conclusion

Suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt are significant issues for male construction workers that require specific attention. Findings highlight a need to support younger male construction workers and those bereaved by suicide. They also highlight the need for the early detection and treatment of generalized anxiety disorder and depression in order to intervene in, and potentially prevent, suicidality among male construction workers.

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Title: Prevalence and associated risk factors for suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt among male construction workers in Ireland
Authors: Shane O’Donnell
Tom Egan
Nicholas Clarke
Noel Richardson
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Suicide
Suicide
Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Published in: BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18483-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prevalence and associated risk factors for suicidal ideation, non-suicidal self-injury and suicide attempt among male construction workers in Ireland

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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