A1 Journal article (refereed)
Self-reported health versus biomarkers : does unemployment lead to worse health? (2020)

Johansson, E., Böckerman, P., & Lundqvist, A. (2020). Self-reported health versus biomarkers : does unemployment lead to worse health?. Public Health, 179, 127-134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2019.10.005

The research was funded by Strategic Research Council at the Research Council of Finland.

JYU authors or editors

Böckerman, Petri

Publication details

All authors or editors: Johansson, E.; Böckerman, P.; Lundqvist, A.

Journal or series: Public Health

ISSN: 0033-3506

eISSN: 1476-5616

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 179

Pages range: 127-134

Publisher: Elsevier Ltd

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2019.10.005

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/68355

Abstract

Objectives
This paper examines the relationship between unemployment and health using both subjective and biometric information on health status.

Study design
Longitudinal panel data.

Methods
We compare the results of regressions of unemployment on self-reported health with those of regressions of unemployment on health as measured with biomarkers (hypertension and levels of blood glucose and C-reactive protein). Using the panel structure of our data, we account for selection bias with respect to unemployment by controlling for health before exposure to unemployment.

Results
We observe a striking pattern. Using self-reported health as the outcome variable, we find a link between unemployment and worse health. By contrast, we are unable to establish the same link using biometric information on health.

Conclusion
In conclusion, our results indicate a substantial discrepancy between self-reported health and health as measured by biomarkers.

Keywords: unemployment; self-rated health; state of health; biomarkers

Free keywords: unemployment; self-assessed health; biomarkers

Fields of science:

Contributing organizations

JYU units:

School of Business and Economics

Related projects

Work, Inequality and Public Policy
- - Haapanen, Mika
- Research Council of Finland
01/09/2015-31/12/2017
Work, Inequality and Public Policy/2
- - Haapanen, Mika
- Research Council of Finland
01/01/2018-30/04/2021

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020