The association between alcohol use and suicide attempt in employees

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the alcohol use patterns that may influence suicide attempt in employees who have suicidal ideation.Methods: The 15,199 participants were classified into three groups according to suicide risk severity. Participant scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Korea (AUDIT-K), subscale for drinking amount/frequency (AUDIT-C, items 1–3), subscale for dependence/related problems (AUDIT-D/P, items 4–10), and other sociodemographic and psychiatric scales were analyzed between the groups using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the chi-square test, followed by post hoc analysis using the Bonferroni correction.Results: A statistically significant difference between all three groups was observed for AUDIT-D/P scores after post hoc analysis (P < 0.001), indicating an increasing trend for greater suicide risk. This trend was present in both sexes and across all age groups above 30 years old.Conclusion: Alcohol dependence/related problems are significantly associated with suicide attempt among employees. Assessing and preventing suicide risk according to these issues may minimize socioeconomic losses due to suicide.