Suicide Mortality Patterns in Greek Work Force before and during the Economic Crisis

Background: The global recession of 2007 has attracted research attention in regard to a possible increase of deaths by suicide among employed populations. The aim of the current study was to update the first Greek study on suicide mortality among broad occupational groups during 2000–2009, with the last available data covering the first period of economic crisis and recession in Greece. Methods: Data on suicide deaths for the age groups of 15–39, 40–49 and 50–59, between 2000–2013 were retrieved from the national statististical authority of Greece, ELSTAT. The coding of suicide used was X60–X84 (intentional self-harm), based on the 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Comparative mortality ratio (CMR) and exact 95% confidence intervals (CI) are presented. Results: Males and females in the occupational group of clerks exhibited high and increased CMRs during the crisis period (2010–2013). Although high ratios for males in elementary, agricultural and fishery and armed forces occupational groups were monitored during the whole period, a decrease was evident during the crisis period. Increased trends in CMRs during the crisis were monitored for both males and females in the broad occupational group of members including managers, executives and directors. In addition, females especially in the 50–59 age group showed increased ratios and trends in several occupational groups during the crisis, especially in technologists and associate professionals, plant and machine operators and assemblers, professionals, and craft and related trade workers. Conclusions: Austerity-related stress should alert key stakeholders and provide mental health and suicide prevention interventions for employed occupations.