Use of Toxicology Reports to Examine Substances Used in Poisoning-related Suicides among US Health Care Workers

Objective: To assess the association between occupational access to drugs and poisoning-related suicides involving specific substances. 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. 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. 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.