Job Problems in Suicide: National Violent Death Reporting System, 2020-2022

Am J Prev Med. 2026 Feb 17:108323. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2026.108323. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Job problems have been found to be a suicide risk factor among different workers and occupations. This analysis used National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data to understand how job problems are characterized and identify common suicide-related job problems by industry and occupation.

METHODS: NVDRS data from 2020 – 2022 for suicide decedents aged > 18 years from 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico were used. Industry and occupation were coded using the NIOSH Industry & Occupation Computerized Coding System. The job problem variable is a dichotomous variable that was expanded to 9 categories using suicide case narratives. Multivariable logistic regression models calculating adjusted odds ratios (aORs) compared circumstances between job-related suicides and non-job-related suicides. Analyses were conducted in 2024-2025.

RESULTS: The analysis identified 101,589 suicide decedents with at least one known circumstance endorsed; 8% (n=8,354) had a reported job problem. Decedents with job problems were mostly white (80%) and male (85%). Nearly 70% of job-related suicides were due to unemployment or job stress (n=5652; 68%). There were differences in job problems across industry and occupation. Multivariable analyses found the strongest risk factors for a job-related suicide compared to a non-job related suicide were presence of a financial problem (aOR=9.70, 95% CI=9.15-10.28) and current depressed mood (aOR=3.31, 95% CI=3.17-3.47).

CONCLUSIONS: Findings show the significance of job-related suicide risk factors at the systemic and individual levels. Workplace suicide prevention efforts could be tailored to occupations including supporting recently unemployed blue-collar workers and improving the psychosocial work environment for white-collar workers.

PMID:41713629 | DOI:10.1016/j.amepre.2026.108323