Employment and suicidal rates during economic recession: A country-targeted integrative review

Abstract

Background: The economic crisis’ effects on suicide rates for countries undergoing or exiting austerity measures have been widely debated. This integrative review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize available evidence of employment status effect on suicide mortality rates in Greece during the recent economic recession period. Methods: A literature review of studies evaluating suicides in the general Greek population, as well as across age and gender groups, in relation to employment during the economic crisis period was performed. PubMed electronic database was searched for relevant articles published in English or Greek language from 2009 up to February 2020. Appraisal was carried out based on the Hierarchy of Evidence Rating System and the GRADE guidelines. Results: A total of 24 articles met all inclusion criteria with 20 of them at level IV, 2 at level VII, and 2 at level VIII. A total of 18 studies reported increase of suicide rates during the economic recession period. About 12 studies examined the co-relation between unemployment and suicide rate, with ten studies showing a positive correlation. Moreover, thirteen studies reported data on the effect of gender and age variables on suicide rates. Conclusion: Evidence shows that suicide mortality rates in Greece increased after the eruption of economic recession, particularly after the implementation of radical austerity measures (2011–2014). This increase was positively correlated with unemployment and was more prominent among males of working age. Further in depth epidemiological research of regional variations in terms of profile and contributing or enabling factors of suicidal behavior is needed.

Emergency Dispatches for Suicide Attempts During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Okayama, Japan: A Descriptive Epidemiological Study

“…By contrast, emergency dispatches related to suicide attempts increased in 2020 compared with the previous two years. This increase could be partly explained by economic loss, 9,24,25 disrupted social networks 10 or reduced social capital, [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] and worsening of existing conditions including psychiatric disorders.…”

Prevalence of suicidal behavior in young university students: A systematic review with meta-analysis

“…Balanced geographic distribution of the studies included was observed, with predominance of publications in the last ten years. The condensation of studies in this period can be related to the economic crisis and austerity policy, which began in 2008 and caused periods of economic recession, with an increase in the suicide rates ( 31 ) , which may have prompted the increase in the number of research studies. Economic crises have effects on mental health and can increase the risk factors and weaken the protective factors ( 32 - 33 ) .…”

The Personal Sociability and Connections Scale (PeSCS): Development and initial assessment at a primary care facility

“…In this context, exclusion from employment may lead to alienation from society (Bhuller et al, 2017; Pohlan, 2019), and the subjective feeling of social integration could influence general life satisfaction (Pohlan, 2019; Popp and Schels, 2008). Furthermore, some population groups appear to be more vulnerable to suicides than others due to unemployment (Kamekis et al, 2020). Data from national studies during economic crisis period in Greece, showed that suicidal increase was positively correlated with unemployment and was clearly apparent between males of working age (Kamekis et al, 2020).…”

“…Furthermore, some population groups appear to be more vulnerable to suicides than others due to unemployment (Kamekis et al, 2020). Data from national studies during economic crisis period in Greece, showed that suicidal increase was positively correlated with unemployment and was clearly apparent between males of working age (Kamekis et al, 2020). Additionally total PeSC scale scores and Social component appear to be significantly higher among men, and these scores may be largely associated with social connection.…”