Case-control study of unemployment and parasuicide.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to estimate the odds ratio for the association between unemployment and parasuicide, controlling for potential confounding variables.

METHODS

A case-control study was conducted involving 507 cases of parasuicide and 200 age- and sex-matched controls presenting to emergency departments in Edmonton, Canada. Subjects were interviewed using an extensive questionnaire developed for a World Health Organization study of parasuicide. The data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

In a crude analysis, the odds ratio for the association between unemployment and parasuicide was 12.0 (95% confidence interval, 6.0-23.9). After controlling for sociodemographic factors, lifetime prevalence of several Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revised Third Edition, disorders, previous parasuicide, hopelessness, childhood experiences, and emotional support from family and friends, the odds ratio was 5.2 (95% confidence interval, 2.3-11.4).

CONCLUSIONS

Those who are unemployed have an increased risk of parasuicide, and this association persists after accounting for a wide range of potential confounders.