Circumstances Contributing to Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Worker Death by Suicide

Abstract

Objective To examine risk factors related to death by suicide among installation, maintenance, and repair (IMR) workers compared with workers in other occupational groups. Methods The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) data for the years 2013 to 2018 was used to identify suicide deaths. Circumstance variables were used to examine differences between IMR workers and other workers. Results Having a physical health problem (1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 1.23) or a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (1.24; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.50) was more likely to contribute to IMR worker suicide compared with other occupations. Installation, maintenance, and repair workers were less likely to receive treatment for a mental health diagnosis or substance use disorder (0.88; 95% CI, 0.81 to 0.94). Conclusions Additional support for physical health problems, posttraumatic stress disorder diagnoses, and mental health care access among IMR workers may reduce suicide deaths.