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

Abstract

Background Suicide among male construction industry workers (CIWs) are reported to be disproportionally high compared to the working age population. However, there is minimal understanding of the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation (SI), non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and suicide attempts (SA) among male CIWs. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on a large sample of male CIWs in Ireland (n = 1,585). We investigated the prevalence of SI, NSSI and SA and sociodemographic, occupational, and mental health factors associated with these three outcomes. Multivariable Poisson regression was performed to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of SI (model 1 primary outcome), while multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of NSSI (model 2 primary outcome), and SA (model 3 primary outcome). Results. The lifetime prevalence rate of SI in this study was 22%, 6% for NSSI, and 6% for SA. In univariable modelling, socio-demographic and occupational factors associated with the three outcomes included younger age (SI and NSSI), not being in a relationship (SA) and working 35–44 hours per week (SI and SA). All psychological factors (past mental health difficulties, history of mental health treatment, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, suicide bereavement) were significantly associated with increased risk of the three outcomes. In fully adjusted multivariable models: (1) past mental health difficulties, higher GAD and depression levels were associated with increased IRR of suicide ideation; (2) past mental health difficulties and higher GAD levels were associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) of NSSI and; (3) past mental health difficulties and higher depression levels were associated with higher ORs for SA. Conclusion. SI, NSSI and SA are significant issues for male CIWs that require specific attention. Findings highlight a need to support younger male CIWs and those bereaved by suicide. They also highlight the need for the early detection and treatment of GAD and depression in order to intervene in, and potentially prevent, suicidality among male CIWs.