Abstract

Suicide rates by industry and occupation: National Violent Death Reporting System, 32 States, 2016

Peterson, C., Sussell, A., Li, J., Schumacher, P.K., Yeoman, K., & Stone, D.M.

Year: 2020 Source: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. (2020). 69(3), 57–62. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6903a1 SIEC No: 20200170

What is already known about this topic?

Suicide among the U.S. working-age population (ages 16–64 years) is increasing; in 2017, nearly 38,000 persons died by suicide.

What is added by this report?

National Violent Death Reporting System data from 32 states were used to calculate suicide rates for major industry and occupational groups and detailed occupational groups. Five industry groups and six major occupational groups had higher suicide rates than did the overall study population. Suicide rates for detailed occupational groups provide insight into subcategories within major groups.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Opportunities exist for targeted and broadscale prevention. CDC’s Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices provides strategies to prevent suicide and can serve as a resource for communities and employers.