A1 Journal article (refereed)
Employment and earnings trajectories before and after sickness absence due to major depressive disorder : a nationwide case–control study (2021)
Hakulinen, C., Böckerman, P., Pulkki-Råback, L., Virtanen, M., & Elovainio, M. (2021). Employment and earnings trajectories before and after sickness absence due to major depressive disorder : a nationwide case–control study. Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 78(3), 173-178. https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106660
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Hakulinen, Christian; Böckerman, Petri; Pulkki-Råback, Laura; Virtanen, Marianna; Elovainio, Marko
Journal or series: Occupational and Environmental Medicine
ISSN: 1351-0711
eISSN: 1470-7926
Publication year: 2021
Volume: 78
Issue number: 3
Pages range: 173-178
Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/oemed-2020-106660
Publication open access: Not open
Publication channel open access:
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/73566
Abstract
Methods: All individuals (n=158 813) in Finland who had a first sickness absence period (lasting longer than 9 days) due to MDD between 2005 and 2015 were matched with one randomly selected individual of the same age and gender with no history of MDD. Employment status and earnings were measured using register-based data annually from 2005 to 2015. Generalised estimating equations were used to examine the trajectories of employment and earnings before and after MDD diagnosis in men and women separately.
Results: Sickness absence due to MDD was associated with increased probability of non-employment during and after the year of the first sickness absence period. In men, but not in women, the probability of being employed was lower 5 years before the sickness absence period due to MDD. When compared with the individuals in the control group, men had around 34% and women 15% lower earnings 1 year, and 40% and 23%, respectively, 5 years, after the first sickness absence period due to MDD. More severe MDD and longer duration of sickness absence period were associated with lower probability of being employed.
Conclusions: Sickness absence due to MDD was associated with considerable reduction in employment and earnings losses. For men and individuals with more severe MDD, this reduction was before the first sickness period. This supports a reciprocal association between employment and earnings with MDD.
Keywords: mental health problems; depression (mental disorders); sickness absences; access to employment; employment rate; level of income
Free keywords: epidemiology; mental health; psychiatry; sickness absence
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2021
JUFO rating: 3
