Suicide study will unpick why female nurses are higher risk

Laura Hyde Foundation has welcomed the project that will investigate root causes of the higher suicide rate among female nurses with a focus on diverse groups

A ground-breaking study that will seek to understand the root causes of high suicide rates among female nurses has been welcomed by a mental health charity for front-line workers.

Interdisciplinary team will explore factors behind higher suicide rates among female nurses

With female nurses four times more likely to die by suicide than any other professional group, researchers led by Ruth Riley from the University of Surrey have launched a new project, 'Suffering with suicide', examining the contributing factors around suicide in nursing.

Funded by a Wellcome Discovery Award, it is the first time work has been done to explore specific issues faced by female nurses in the context of suicide.

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It will also focus on ‘moral distress’ in nurses along with experiences of nursing groups such as international nurses.

Dr Riley said: ‘High suicide rates in female nurses have been documented for more than 20 years in the UK and other high-income countries, yet workplace practices, policies and research have failed to address the realities and contexts of nurses’ lives.

Study will examine the experiences of a range of nurses from diverse backgrounds

‘This ambitious interdisciplinary project will look at the experiences of a range of nurses including international nurses and those in the global majority.’

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According to the Office for National Statistics, the rate of suicides among female nurses are 23% higher than women in the general population.

The NHS is the largest employer of nurses in Europe. Of this number, 90% are women and a significant percentage come from ethnically diverse backgrounds – 40% in the NHS and 60% in care roles.

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Dr Riley added: ‘In providing a new perspective, we hope to understand the contexts and experiences contributing to distress and suicidality while providing a voice and platform for under-represented nurses.’

Findings could prevent suicides

The Laura Hyde Foundation said it hoped the study would help save lives in the future.

The charity’s trustee chair Liam Barnes said: 'Anything that allows employers to understand the root cause of suicidal ideation is extremely welcome, so proactive support options can be provided before these conditions manifest into tragic circumstances.

‘Healthcare workers are unlikely to ask for help compared to the general population due to stigma. Circumstances around work-life balance, impact of work pressures on family and workplace bullying affect women more than men, but this needs to be investigated further to allow us to save lives.'

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