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Baek SU, Lee YM, Won JU, Yoon JH. Precarious employment and the onset of depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use in middle-aged or older workers: A Korean longitudinal study (2006-2022). Soc Sci Med 2024; 357:117170. [PMID: 39127003 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Although precarious employment (PE) has emerged as a growing public health concern, research on older adults is scarce. This study explored the associations between PE and the onset of depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use among middle-aged and older workers. A total of 2536 Korean waged workers aged ≥45 years contributed 8486 observations from 2006 to 2022. PE was defined as a multidimensional construct that includes employment insecurity, income inadequacy, and a lack of worker rights and protection. Depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and the CAGE questionnaire. Generalized estimating equations were employed to determine the association of PE with depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use after the two-year follow-up. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated. Women, individuals with older age and low educational background, and blue-collar workers were more likely to belong to the high PE group. For individual indicators of PE, daily employment (RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05-1.53), the lowest wage quartile (RR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.01-1.72), and lack of trade union (RR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.10-2.17) were positively associated with depressive symptom onset in the follow-up. Compared with the group with the lowest overall PE, the group with the highest PE exhibited increased risks of experiencing the onset of depressive symptoms (RR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.27-2.08) and problematic alcohol use (RR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.16-5.17) in the follow-up. This study suggests that PE is a major social determinant of older workers' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Uk Baek
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Graduate School, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yu-Min Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong-Uk Won
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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Baek SU, Lee YM, Won JU, Yoon JH. Interaction between old age and precarious employment on poor mental well-being in workers: Evidence from a nationally representative sample in Korea. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 39:e6106. [PMID: 39031830 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the relationship between precarious employment (PE) and mental well-being, focusing on age-specific interactions. METHODS Nationally representative Korean workers (N = 29,961) were surveyed between 2020 and 2021 to collect data on multidimensional PE (categorized as low, moderate, or high) and the WHO-5 well-being index. Workers' ages were classified as young (<35 years), middle-aged (35-54 years), and older (≥55 years). Logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The interaction between PE and age on well-being was examined by including interaction terms in the regression models. RESULTS The prevalence of poor well-being was 25%, 29%, and 39% for low, moderate, and high precariousness, respectively, whereas it was 26%, 30%, and 39% for young, middle-aged, and older workers, respectively. In the overall sample, the OR (95% CI) of the association between PE and poor well-being was 1.24 (1.17-1.32) for moderate and 1.54 (1.43-1.65) for high precariousness, compared with low precariousness. There was a significant interaction between old age and PE on the odds of poor well-being. Compared with young workers with low PE, middle-aged workers with high PE (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.62-2.10) and older workers with high PE (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.83-2.40) exhibited increased odds of having poor mental well-being. CONCLUSION PE serves as a social determinant of older workers' psychological well-being. Policy interventions are required to protect older workers' psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Uk Baek
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate School, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu-Min Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Uk Won
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Hajat A, Andrea SB, Oddo VM, Winkler MR, Ahonen EQ. Ramifications of Precarious Employment for Health and Health Inequity: Emerging Trends from the Americas. Annu Rev Public Health 2024; 45:235-251. [PMID: 38012123 PMCID: PMC11128534 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-071321-042437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Precarious employment (PE), which encompasses the power relations between workers and employers, is a well-established social determinant of health that has strong ramifications for health and health inequity. In this review, we discuss advances in the measurement of this multidimensional construct and provide recommendations for overcoming continued measurement challenges. We then evaluate recent evidence of the negative health impacts of PE, with a focus on the burgeoning studies from North America and South America. We also establish the role of PE in maintaining and perpetuating health inequities and review potential policy solutions to help alleviate its health burden. Last, we discuss future research directions with a call for a better understanding of the heterogeneity within PE and for research that focuses both on upstream drivers that shape PE and its impacts on health, as well as on the mechanisms by which PE causes poor health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjum Hajat
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA;
| | - Sarah B Andrea
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Sciences University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Vanessa M Oddo
- Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Megan R Winkler
- Department of Behavioral, Social and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily Q Ahonen
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Baek SU, Won JU, Lee YM, Yoon JH. Association between precarious employment and the onset of depressive symptoms in men and women: a 13-year longitudinal analysis in Korea (2009-2022). Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2024; 33:e25. [PMID: 38623756 PMCID: PMC11022256 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796024000258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Increasing social concern surrounds the potential adverse health effects of precarious employment (PE). In this study, we explored the association between PE and the onset of depressive symptoms. METHODS A total of 11,555 Korean waged workers (5700 females) contributed 62,217 observations from 2009 to 2022. PE was operationalized as a multidimensional construct, including employment insecurity, income inadequacy and lack of rights and protection. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (11-item version). The association between PE and the onset of depressive symptoms in the subsequent year was estimated using generalized estimating equations. Effect sizes were reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS The overall incidence of depressive symptoms was 8.3% during the study period. In cross-sectional analysis, daily employment, disguised employment, lower monthly wages and lack of social insurance coverage were associated with concurrent depressive symptoms in both men and women. Longitudinally, fixed-term employment (OR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07-1.29), daily employment (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.45-1.85) and disguised employment (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.17-1.57) were associated with the onset of depressive symptoms among the overall sample. Among men, the lowest quartiles of wage were associated with the onset of depressive symptoms (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.13-1.60), while the absence of a trade union was associated among women (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.01-1.39). CONCLUSIONS Employment insecurity, inadequate income and lack of rights and protection may contribute to depressive symptoms. Therefore, PE serves as a significant social determinant of mental health among workers in Korea. Active policy efforts are warranted to improve the overall quality of employment in the workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Uk Baek
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Graduate School, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Uk Won
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu-Min Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Baek SU, Won JU, Yoon JH. Multidimensional typologies of precarious employment and their relationships with mental well-being in Korean wageworkers: A latent class analysis based on the Korean Working Conditions Survey (2020-2021). Prev Med 2023; 177:107787. [PMID: 37995970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precarious employment (PE) has been conceptualized as having a multidimensional nature, and research addressing this topic in Asian countries is scarce. This study examined the typologies of PE and their relationships with mental health among Korean workers. METHODS From October 2020 to April 2021, the Korean Working Conditions Survey was conducted on Korean wageworkers (weighted N = 38,347), representative of the nation. With theory-based operationalization of PE, we identified typologies and classified workers through latent class analysis. Logistic regression was performed to explore the association between PE typologies and mental health among workers, represented as odds ratio (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Four distinct employment typologies emerged: (i) standard employment relationships (SER, 34.5%), (ii) moderate employment precariousness (MEP, 43.5%), (iii) underemployment (17.9%), and (iv) daily laborers (4.1%). Women were overrepresented in the MEP and underemployment types, while the SER type consisted of those with higher educational attainment and white-collar jobs. The OR (95% CI) of depression was 1.38 (1.27-1.50) for the MEP type, 1.48 (1.32-1.66) for the underemployment type, and 2.15 (1.85-2.51) for the daily laborers, compared to the SER type. For individual elements of PE, temporary employment, low wages, low-income predictability, and low involvement in work process were positively associated with depression, whereas part-time employment was negatively associated with depression. CONCLUSION Employment insecurity, low material rewards, and a lack of rights and protection can contribute to the poor mental health of workers. Policy interventions are warranted to mitigate inequalities in employment quality among Korean workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Uk Baek
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Graduate School, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Uk Won
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Matilla-Santander N, Matthews AA, Gunn V, Muntaner C, Kreshpaj B, Wegman DH, Sánchez-Martínez N, Hernando-Rodriguez JC, Albin M, Balogh R, Davis L, Bodin T. Causal effect of shifting from precarious to standard employment on all-cause mortality in Sweden: an emulation of a target trial. J Epidemiol Community Health 2023; 77:736-743. [PMID: 37620008 PMCID: PMC10579471 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-220734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed at estimating the causal effect of switching from precarious to standard employment on the 6-year and 12-year risk of all-cause mortality among workers aged 20-55 years in Sweden. METHODS We emulated a series of 12 target trials starting every year between 2005 and 2016 using Swedish register data (n=251 273). We classified precariously employed individuals using a multidimensional approach at baseline as (1) remaining in precarious employment (PE) (73.8%) and (2) shifting to standard employment (26.2%). All-cause mortality was measured from 2006 to 2017. We pooled data for all 12 emulated trials and used covariate-adjusted pooled logistic regression to estimate intention-to-treat and per-protocol effects via risk ratios (RRs) and standardised risk curves (the parametric g-formula). RESULTS Shifting from precarious to standard employment decreases the 12-year risk of death by 20% on the relative scale (RR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73; 0.93), regardless of what happens after the initial shift. However, we estimated a 12-year risk reduction of 30% on the relative scale for workers shifting from precarious to standard employment and staying within this employment category for the full 12 years (RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.54; 0.95). CONCLUSIONS This study finds that shifting from low to higher-quality employment conditions (ie, stable employment, sufficient income levels and high coverage by collective agreements) decreases the risk of death. Remaining in PE increases the risk of premature mortality. Our results emphasise the necessity of ensuring decent work for the entire working population to accomplish the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony A Matthews
- Unit of Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Virginia Gunn
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Nursing, Cape Breton University, Sydney, New South Wales, Canada
| | - Carles Muntaner
- Bllomberg Faculty of Nursing, Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bertina Kreshpaj
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David H Wegman
- Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Néstor Sánchez-Martínez
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Public Health, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maria Albin
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm Region, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rebeka Balogh
- Interface Demography, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Theo Bodin
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm Region, Stockholm, Sweden
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Méndez-Rivero F, Pozo ÓJ, Julià M. Gender Differences in the Indirect Effect of Psychosocial Work Environment in the Association of Precarious Employment and Chronic Stress: A Cross-Sectional Mediation Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16073. [PMID: 36498147 PMCID: PMC9736292 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Gender differences in the association between precarious employment and chronic stress have been found but the mechanisms underlying this relationship have not been explored. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the mediating effects of psychosocial risk factors at work (i.e., demands, control, and support) and work-life conflicts in the relationship between precarious employment and chronic stress as measured through the production of steroid hormones (both adrenal and gonadal) for men and women separately. Cross-sectional data were derived from a sample of workers from Barcelona (n = 125-255 men; 130 women). A set of 23 markers were determined from hair samples to evaluate the production of both adrenal and gonadal steroids. Decomposition analyses were applied to estimate the indirect effects of psychosocial risk factors and work-life conflict using linear regression models. Gender differences in the association between precarious employment and steroids production were confirmed. Psychosocial risk factors and work-life conflicts had indirect effects only among women (βCortisol = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.04-0.32; βCortisol/Cortisone 0.19; 95% CI: 0.08-0.31; β%Cortisol 0.12; 95% CI: 0.05-0.20). Gender differences suggest that the physiological response to precarious employment could be determined by the social construction of gender identities, as well as by positions and roles in the labour market and family. Future studies should delve further into these differences to improve employment and working policies, thus mitigating gender inequalities in the labour market to prevent work-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Méndez-Rivero
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, and Employment Conditions (GREDS-EMCONET), Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Óscar J. Pozo
- Applied Metabolomics Research Group, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Julià
- Research Group on Health Inequalities, Environment, and Employment Conditions (GREDS-EMCONET), Department of Political and Social Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
- ESIMar (Mar Nursing School), Parc de Salut Mar, Universitat Pompeu Fabra-Affiliated, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- SDHEd (Social Determinants and Health Education Research Group), IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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Ahonen EQ, Winkler MR, Hajat A. Work, Health, and the Ongoing Pursuit of Health Equity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192114047. [PMID: 36360925 PMCID: PMC9657065 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The many facets of work, including employment relationships and attendant employment quality, the day-to-day conditions experienced in any given job, and the evolution of one's working circumstances over time can support or detract from health, and combine in myriad ways to impact worker well-being [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Q. Ahonen
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA
| | - Megan R. Winkler
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Anjum Hajat
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
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