Suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in the past 12 months among working-age adults in mainland France between 2010 and 2021: results from the Health Barometer

Introduction – The objective of this article is to describe, among the working-age population in metropolitan France, the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and reported suicide attempts, the reasons attributed to them, trends from 2010 to 2021, and the factors associated with suicidal thoughts. Methods – The data are drawn from the 2010, 2014, 2017, 2020, and 2021 Public Health France Barometers. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts over the past 12 months was described by survey year, age group, socio-occupational category, and sector of activity. The association between suicidal thoughts and sociodemographic, socio-occupational, and health characteristics was examined using data from the 2021 Barometer. Results – Among men, employees had the highest prevalence of suicidal thoughts in 2020 and 2021. Among women, the prevalence did not differ by socio-professional category. The accommodation and food services sector was the most affected by suicidal thoughts in 2010, 2017, and 2021. A significant increase in suicidal thoughts was observed among young people aged 18–24 between 2020 (3.4%) and 2021 (7.1%), who thus had the highest prevalence in 2021. Those aged 18–24, and to a lesser extent those aged 25–34, adults not living with a partner, those living without children, and those who reported not being financially comfortable had a higher risk of suicidal thoughts. The reasons given for suicidal thoughts were primarily work-related and family-related, in similar proportions of around 40%. For suicide attempts, work-related reasons accounted for 9% to 14% of cases. Conclusion – These findings among the employed working-age population provide insights for targeting high-risk groups in the workplace and specific sectors of activity. This study confirms the significant deterioration in the mental health of younger adults observed in the general population since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Author(s): Chan-Chee Christine, Ha Catherine

Publishing year: 2024

Pages: 560-571

Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin, 2024, n° 25, p. 560-571

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