In an Australian first, research from Queensland’s Griffith University has found that relationship problems may see male miners at greater risk of suicide, relative to men in other occupations.
The study led by the university’s Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP), compares psychiatric histories and life events among men in mining and other occupations, prior to death.
The study will be presented today by AISRAP senior research fellow Dr Samara McPhedran.
“Miners were significantly more likely than men in other occupations to have experienced relationship problems prior to their death by suicide,” she says.
“The observation that relationship troubles may precede suicide is not in itself novel, but the apparent difference in exposure to this factor, between miners and other workers who died by suicide, is a new finding.
“Relationship problems may be an important predictor of suicide among miners. Knowing this may help us to identify and assist miners who are at risk of suicide, as well as point the way to possible industry-specific intervention strategies.
“Interestingly, mental health problems before death were comparable between the two different groups of men,” she adds. “There was no evidence that miners were more likely to be suffering from depression, for example.
“The findings suggest that in terms of addressing possible risk factors for suicide among mining workers, family relationships may be a key issue for many men.
“From a policy perspective, this suggests a role for programs that strengthen and support family functioning, including support for partners of mining workers.”
The study also says that it may be beneficial for the resources sector to consider aspects of workforce design that may impact, both directly and indirectly, on family relationships.
The 11th Australasian Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion conference will be held at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle, Western Australia, from Monday 11 November to Wednesday 13 November 2013.
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