Mortality Patterns Among Utah Firefighters, 2001-2024: A Proportionate Mortality Study
AI Summary
Utah firefighters had significantly higher suicide mortality compared with other occupations from 2001 to 2024 (adjusted odds ratio 1.59; 95% CI 1.09–2.34).
No significant differences were found for cancer, heart disease, or diabetes after adjustment for demographics and tobacco use.
Findings emphasise suicide as a priority occupational health concern and support focused mental health prevention for firefighters.
J Occup Environ Med. 2026 Aug 21. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003864. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Firefighters face exposures linked to chronic disease and suicide. This study evaluated cause-specific mortality among Utah firefighters versus other occupations.
METHODS: Utah death certificates (2001-2024) were analyzed using 2018 Census codes and NCHS causes. We estimated adjusted proportionate mortality odds ratios (aORs) for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and suicide.
RESULTS: Analysis included 734 firefighter deaths and 366,952 others. After adjusting for demographics and tobacco use, firefighters had significantly higher odds for suicide (aOR 1.59; 95% CI 1.09-2.34). No significant differences were observed for cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.
CONCLUSIONS: Over 24 years, Utah firefighters showed elevated suicide mortality but not chronic disease mortality compared to other occupations. Findings highlight suicide as a critical occupational health concern, supporting prioritized mental health prevention.
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