Factors Influencing US Physician and Surgeon Suicide Rates 2003 to 2017: Analysis of the CDC-National Violent Death Reporting System. Issue 5 (4th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Elkbuli, Adel; Sutherland, Mason; Shepherd, Aaron; Kinslow, Kyle; Liu, Huazhi; Ang, Darwin; McKenney, Mark
• Is Part Of: Annals of surgery. Volume 276:Issue 5(2022)
• Page Start: e370
• Page End: e376
• Publication Date: 2022-11-04
• Subjects: mental health -- national violent death reporting system -- physician suicide -- physician wellbeing -- prevention interventions; Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000004575
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4932

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Objectives: With the rate of physician suicide increasing, more research is needed to implement adequate prevention interventions. This study aims to identify trends and patterns in physician/surgeon suicide and the key factors influencing physician suicide. We hope such information can highlight areas for targeted interventions to decrease physician suicide. Methods: Review of Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) for 2003 to 2017 of physician and dentists dying by suicide. Twenty-eight medical, surgical, and dental specialties were included. Results: Nine hundred five reported suicides were reviewed. Physician suicides increased from 2003 to 2017. Majority surgeons' suicides were middle-aged, White males. Orthopedic surgeons had the highest prevalence of suicide among surgical fields (28.2%). Black/African American surgeons were 56% less likely [odds ratio (OR) = 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.06-3.16] and Asian/Pacific Islander were 438% more likely (OR = 5.38, 95% CI: 2.13–13.56) to die by suicide. Surgeons were 362% more likely to have a history of a mental disorder (OR = 4.62, 95% CI: 2.71–7.85), were 139% more likely to use alcohol (OR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.36–4.21), and were 289% more likely to have experienced civil/legal issues (OR = 3.89, 95% CI: 1.36–11.11). Conclusions: The prevalence of physician suicide increased over the 2003 to 2017 time-frame with over a third of deaths occurring from 2015 to 2017. Among surgeons, orthopedics has the highest prevalence of reported suicide. Risk factors for surgeon suicide include Asian/Pacific Islander race/ethnicity, older age, history of mental disorder, alcohol use, and civil/legal issues.