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A recent study from the University of Gothenburg reveals alarming statistics about the risk of suicide and suicide attempts among male construction workers. According to the findings, men in the construction industry are 50% more likely to attempt or die by suicide compared to their counterparts in other professions. This study, which analyzed registry data from over 1.5 million Swedish men, highlights a troubling correlation between certain occupations and a higher prevalence of suicidal behavior.
Published in the journal BMC Public Health, the research covers a period from 2002 to 2019, examining men aged 25–65 who were conscripted for military service and had no prior history of suicidal behavior. During the study period, over 2% of these men experienced a suicidal event, including 31,797 suicide attempts and 5,526 suicides.
The construction industry, known for its physically demanding and often high-stress environment, stands out as a particularly risky sector. According to Maria Åberg, Professor of General Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, the combination of heavy physical labor and a macho culture within the industry can negatively impact both physical and mental well-being. The study also draws attention to the prevalence of long-term pain among workers, which can lead to increased alcohol and painkiller consumption, further exacerbating the risk of suicidal behavior.
High-Risk Professions
The study also explored the risk of suicidal behavior in various professions. Men working in occupations with lower educational requirements—such as cleaners, factory workers, fast food employees, and sanitation workers—were found to have a 60% greater risk of suicidal acts. Jenny Nyberg, associate professor of public health at Sahlgrenska Academy and lead author of the study, explains that these jobs often come with high stress and little control over working conditions, which can significantly affect mental health. She also suggests that some individuals who are already mentally vulnerable may be drawn to these roles.
Notably, the study found that the risk of suicidal behavior was significantly higher among men who were unemployed, with their risk more than doubling compared to men who were employed.
Comparing Occupations
On the other hand, the study revealed that men working in managerial positions within sales and marketing had the lowest risk of suicidal behavior. Additionally, highly educated men, such as engineers and researchers, had a suicide risk that was half that of the general male population included in the study. This suggests that factors such as job control, workplace stress, and education level play a significant role in determining the likelihood of suicidal behavior.
This research calls attention to the urgent need for better mental health support in high-risk professions, particularly in industries like construction, where both the workplace culture and physical demands contribute to an increased vulnerability to mental health issues. It also highlights the broader impact of low job control and high-stress environments on male workers across various sectors.
The Path Forward
The findings emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues within the workplace, particularly in industries where stigma surrounding mental illness is prevalent. By fostering a more supportive environment and providing better access to mental health resources, it is hoped that the risk of suicide and suicide attempts in high-risk professions can be reduced.
For more information, see the full study in BMC Public Health: Occupational Groups and Risk of Suicidal Behavior in Men: A Swedish National Cohort Study During 2002–2019 (DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-20887-x).
