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      <doi>10.14455/ISEC.2026.13(2).CSA-06</doi>
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        <article-title>GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTIONS OF SUICIDE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY</article-title>
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      <author>SAEED ROKOOEI</author>
      <aff>Dept of Building Construction Science, Mississippi State Univ, Starkville, USA<br /></aff>
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    <abstract>
      <title>ABSTRACT</title>
      <p>Suicide remains a major yet underexplored crisis within the construction industry, where reported rates are substantially higher than those in other professions.  Beyond the overall prevalence, gender-related differences in awareness, perception, and response to suicide risk may play a critical role in shaping prevention strategies.  This study extends a previous investigation on construction professionals’ views of suicide by analyzing perception differences between male and female participants.  Using survey data collected in spring 2024 from 69 construction professionals across multiple companies, the study applied descriptive methods to evaluate variations in awareness levels, perceived risk factors, and attitudes toward organizational preventive measures.  The results highlight significant gender disparities in the recognition of suicide as an industry issue and in the openness to mental health discussions within the workplace.  Female professionals generally demonstrated greater sensitivity toward mental health challenges and stronger support for systematic preventive interventions.  These findings suggest that gender-responsive strategies are necessary to enhance the effectiveness of mental health and suicide prevention programs across the construction sector.  Future research should consider larger and more diverse samples to validate these findings and inform targeted initiatives that address gender-specific needs.</p>
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        <italic>Keywords: </italic>Suicidal thoughts, Building, Worker, Prevention, Male and female professionals, Safety</p>
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      <hpdf>CSA-06</hpdf>
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