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.

Keywords

• alcohols
• employee
• suicide