Objective: The objective of this scoping review is to assess and summarise the research literature regarding the relationship between work disability and subsequent suicide or deliberate self-harm.
Introduction: Work disability occurs when a health condition limits the ability of a worker to participate in paid employment. Work disability is common, affecting a substantial proportion of the labour force annually. Several lines of evidence from multiple disciplinary areas suggest that people with work disability are at increased risk of suicide and self-harm. Some of the risk factors for suicide and self-harm are modifiable. There is a need for an exploratory study to examine the relationship between work disability and subsequent suicide and self-harm, and to understand the influence of risk and protective factors.
Inclusion criteria: This review will consider published, peer reviewed studies of people aged 16 years or older with an episode of work disability resulting in absence from work and receipt of financial support. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies will be searched.
Methods: Databases to be searched from inception to the present include MEDLINE and Scopus. Studies in English published since the year 2000 will be included. Two independent screeners will screen titles and abstracts as well as full texts of relevant sources. Data will be extracted by a single independent reviewer. Data will be presented in tabular and graphical form accompanied by a narrative summary that aligns with the objective of this scoping review.