Suicidal Ideation and Mental Health Conditions in the Construction Industry: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: With reports of significant global suicide rates suggestion is that research of suicidal ideation and mental health conditions, as well as identification of alternative “at-risk” populations is an effective research direction. While the construction industry has been suggested to have higher rates of suicide in comparison to the general working population, little research or synthesisation of current knowledge has been undertaken focussing on suicidal ideation and mental health condition prevalence and rates for this population. Aims: To summarise current understandings of prevalence and rates of suicidal ideation and mental health conditions in the construction industry, as well as identify possible methodological limitations in the area. Method: Random effects meta-analyses were used to calculate pooled prevalence, odds and risks of mental health conditions for those employed in the construction industry. Results: Thirteen studies investigating mental health conditions in the construction industry were included in the meta-analysis. No articles regarding suicidal ideation were identified. Pooled prevalence rates suggested a slight increase in mental health conditions for those employed in the construction industry (17.5%, CI95% = 11.7-22.5%) in comparison to suggested global rates, with an increase observed when adjusting for non-clinical assessments of mental health conditions (19.2%, CI95% = 12.9-27.7%) and when adjusting for both for non-clinical assessments of mental health conditions and underrepresentation of sample (20.1%, CI95% = 11.9-32.1%). Pooled Odds Ratio’s (OR) suggested no greater odds of experiencing a mental health condition for those employed in the construction industry (OR = 1.412, CI95% = 0.798–2.499), however, when adjusting for underrepresentation of sample, a statistically significant OR was observed (OR = 1.050, CI95% = 1.011–1.091). Pooled Risk Ratio’s (RR) suggested no increased risk of mental health conditions in the construction industry (RR = 1.068, CI95% = 0.875–1.304), a finding also observed when adjusting for non-clinical assessments of mental health conditions (RR = 1.443, CI95% = 0.549–3.791), or underrepresentation of sample (RR = 1.511, CI95% = 0.651–3.507). Conclusions: This is the first comprehensive meta-analytical review of suicidal ideation and mental health conditions in the construction industry and highlights the need for greater amounts of research and use of standardised methodologies in this area. The current study suggests a slightly increased prevalence and odds of mental health conditions experienced by construction workers however, further research is required to confirm these suggestions.