Mortality Patterns Among Utah Firefighters, 2001-2024: A Proportionate Mortality Study.

OBJECTIVE

Firefighters face exposures linked to chronic disease and suicide. This study evaluated cause-specific mortality among Utah firefighters versus other occupations.

METHODS

Utah death certificates (2001-2024) were analyzed using 2018 Census codes and NCHS causes. We estimated adjusted proportionate mortality odds ratios (aORs) for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and suicide.

RESULTS

Analysis included 734 firefighter deaths and 366,952 others. After adjusting for demographics and tobacco use, firefighters had significantly higher odds for suicide (aOR 1.59; 95% CI 1.09-2.34). No significant differences were observed for cancer, heart disease, or diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Over 24 years, Utah firefighters showed elevated suicide mortality but not chronic disease mortality compared to other occupations. Findings highlight suicide as a critical occupational health concern, supporting prioritized mental health prevention.