Use of Toxicology Reports to Examine Substances Used in Poisoning-related Suicides among US Health Care Workers.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between occupational access to drugs and poisoning-related suicides involving specific substances.

METHODS

Using National Violent Death Reporting System data, we compared poisoning-related suicides where selected substances were present versus absent. Occupational access to drugs was defined as working in occupations involving drugs. Adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated with sexstratified multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Male and female workers with occupational access to drugs had higher odds of poisoning-related suicides involving benzodiazepines and polysubstance use of benzodiazepines and opioids. Among female workers, access was also associated with suicides involving antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and opioids.

CONCLUSIONS

Occupational access to drugs is linked to increased odds of poisoning-related suicides involving benzodiazepines. Prevention strategies, including lethal means counseling, may help reduce risk.