The stability of correlates of labour force activity.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the stability of correlates of labour force activity among people with affective and anxiety disorders, compared with healthy adults, between 1998 and 2003.


METHODS
Secondary analyses of multi-stage probability samples of community residents (n(1998)=37,580 and n(2003)=36,088) obtained from repeat administrations of an Australian population survey.


RESULTS
Proportionally, fewer people with affective or anxiety disorders were employed compared with well controls. Extent of employment restrictions, sex, age left school, country of birth, age and educational attainment were strong correlates of labour force participation and current employment. These effects were stable despite improved labour market conditions in 2003.


CONCLUSIONS
These results can inform decisions about access to substantial forms of employment assistance. Subgroups of people with anxiety and depression, with severe employment restrictions, low education, low language proficiency, aged 15-24 years, or aged 55 years or more, may require greater access to substantial employment assistance.
Waghorn
G
G
Policy and Economics Group, Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. geoff_waghorn@qcmhr.uq.edu.au
Chant
D
D
Harris
M G
MG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016832:Employment, Supported / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult