Psychosocial, psychiatric and work-related risk factors associated with suicide in Ireland: A case-control study

Lead Researcher:

Prof Ella Arensman

Award Date:

1 January 2013

Host Institution:

National Suicide Research Foundation

Scheme:

Health Research Award

Summary:

Since 2008 suicide rates in Ireland have increased significantly. The increase occurred in parallel with the economic recession. In the absence of any systematic research in this area in Ireland, it remains inconclusive whether the two developments are linked. Further research is required in order to understand better why some people are more vulnerable and at risk of self-harm and suicide and why others are more resilient. There is scientific evidence that psychiatric and behavioural conditions increase the suicide risk, such as depression and alcohol/drug abuse and having a history of deliberate self-harm. With increasing unemployment rates, work-related and economic factors, such as fear of job loss, high pressures and workplace bullying, are a concern. Recent studies in Ireland show an increased suicide risk in specific occupations including the construction sector, agricultural occupations and among military personnel suggesting that specific work conditions may contribute to but also may protect against suicide. The aims of the study are to improve the knowledge base of both risk and protective factors related to suicide and self-harm including psychosocial, psychiatric and work-related factors. Suicide cases will be compared to control participants from General Practices. People who have presented to Emergency Departments following self-harm will also be compared with control participants via GP practices. Multiple sources of information will be accessed, such as information from Coroners’ records, interviews with next of kin and participants (self-harm patients and GP practice control participants), and questionnaires for health care professionals. Consistency of information from the different sources will be verified. The findings will improve early identification of people with high suicide risk and those with high risk work environments and contribute to the development of suicide prevention and health promotion programmes in healthcare, community and work settings.