Prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation in Korean Firefighters: a nationwide study

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Background: It is generally known that firefighters are at the increased risk of suicide. However, the prevalence or correlates of suicidal ideation in firefighters have not been thoroughly explained to date. The aim of this study was to measure the 1-year prevalence of suicidal ideation in firefighters and to investigate the correlates of recent suicidal ideation among the demographic, occupational and clinical characteristics. Method: A web-based survey was conducted using a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 45,698 Korean firefighters were included for analysis. Prevalence of suicidal ideation in the past year was calculated and its correlates were elucidated using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The 1-year prevalence of suicidal ideation was 10.66% in Korean firefighters. Recent traumatic experience, high levels of occupational stress from physical work environment and emotional labor, and the officer as a present job were significant correlates of suicidal ideation in the previous year, even after controlling the effect of PTSD and depressive symptoms. With respect to demographic factors, female gender, and divorced/separated/widowed marital status were associated with suicidal ideation in the previous year in firefighters. Conclusions: More firefighters experienced recent suicidal ideation than the general population and there were risk factors related to the role of firefighters in Korea. Intervention and policies that manage these risk factors are necessary for the prevention of suicide in firefighters.