Background Suicidal attempt has been reported as a consequence after experiencing a traumatic event, including that caused by occupationally injury. However, literature is relatively lacking in long-term prevalence rates of suicidality after occupational injury.

Objective To determine long-term prevalence of suicidality after occupational injury.

Method Form February to August, 2009, 4,403 workers sustained occupational injury, and were hospitalised for 3 days or longer. Two surveys on psychiatric conditions were done at 3 and 12 months after occupational injury, and 2,308 workers responded to either survey. They were invited to join the follow-up at 6 years after occupational injury. A self-reported questionnaire survey was conducted, including Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS) and Post-traumatic Symptom Checklist (PTSC) for assessment of psychological symptom. Those with high scores in BSRS or PTSC were invited to participate in an in-depth psychiatric evaluation using Chinese version of the Mini-international Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

Results At three months, one year, and six years, 2001, 1233, and 570 workers completed the questionnaire, and among those with severe psychological symptoms by BSRS and PTSC, 41.5%, 63.5%, 55.6% completed the phone interview. The estimated rates of suicidality at 3, 12 months, and 6 years after occupational injury were 4.9%, 4.3%, and 9.8% respectively.

Conclusion Contradictory to general belief, suicidality rate was increasing at 6 years after occupational injury. Further studies to identify the causes of increased suicidality at later years, and develop strategies to improve injured workers’ psychological health are warranted.