Disentangling Rates, Risk, and Drivers of Suicide in the Construction Industry A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Research suggests construction industry workers (CIWs) face increased suicide vulnerability. Aims: The current study synthesizes international evidence examining rates, risk, and drivers of CIW suicide. Method: Comprehensive searches of MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, Scopus, and gray literature were undertaken, identifying studies that discussed, theorized about, or demonstrated risks and/or rates and/or drivers of CIW suicide, without inclusion of other industries. Results: A number of included studies statistically analyzed suicide outcomes in a variety of CIW populations, with the majority reporting increased rate and/or risk, however significant heterogeneity limited comparisons. Twenty-five potential drivers were identified and classified as personal- or industry-related. Disentanglement highlighted the relevance of previously understood personal drivers, need for future focus on industry drivers, and potential interplay between drivers. Limitations: Exclusion of non-English articles as well as inability to extend analysis to fully understand rates and/or risk of CIW suicide and tenuous links between suggested drivers and suicide outcomes. Conclusion: Despite limitations, this paper aids understanding in relation to the suggestion that CIWs are at increased suicide vulnerability. Disentanglement of potential drivers demonstrates the importance of future research focused on industry drivers to assist in prevention strategies.