Journal article
Use of Toxicology Reports to Examine Substances Used in Poisoning-related Suicides among US Health Care Workers
Journal of occupational and environmental medicine
05/15/2026
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003755
PMID: 42138813
Abstract
To assess the association between occupational access to drugs and poisoning-related suicides involving specific substances. OBJECTIVE To assess the association between occupational access to drugs and poisoning-related suicides involving specific substances.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.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.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.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.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.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.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Use of Toxicology Reports to Examine Substances Used in Poisoning-related Suicides among US Health Care Workers
- Creators
- Victor A Soupene - University of IowaJonathan Davis - University of IowaJ Priyanka Vakkalanka - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of occupational and environmental medicine
- DOI
- 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003755
- PMID
- 42138813
- ISSN
- 1536-5948
- eISSN
- 1536-5948
- Publisher
- Lippincott
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 05/15/2026
- Academic Unit
- Occupational and Environmental Health; Epidemiology; Emergency Medicine; Injury Prevention Research Center
- Record Identifier
- 9985163699602771
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