Suicide risk among nurses higher than in other occupations

Both male and female nurses face higher suicide risk than their counterparts in other occupations, according to a study published in Archives of Psychiatric Nursing.

Researchers used 2014 National Violent Death Reporting System data to compare characteristics among occupations.

They found:

• Suicides were significantly higher among the female nurse population at a rate of 11.97 per 100,000 people as compared to the female population at 7.58 per 100,000 people.
• Male nurses also faced significantly higher suicide rates (39.8 per 100,000) as compared to the male population (28.2 per 100,000).
• Benzodiazepines and opioids were the most commonly used substances used in clinician suicide.

"These results suggest a public health imperative for future research and development of effective preventative strategies for nurses," researchers concluded.

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