The association between labour force participation and being in income poverty amongst those with mental health problems.
OBJECTIVE
Mental health conditions are associated with lower standards of living. This study quantifies the relationship between employment, depression and other mental health conditions and being in income poverty.


METHODS
Cross-sectional analysis was undertaken using the 2003 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers data for Australians aged 45-64 years.


RESULTS
Those not in the labour force due to depression and other mental health conditions are significantly more likely (odds ratio (OR) 12.53, 95% CI: 12.20-12.86, p < 0.0001; OR 20.10, 95% CI: 19.67-20.54, p < 0.0001) to be in income poverty than those not in the labour force with no chronic health condition. Amongst those with depression and other mental health conditions, those who were in employment were significantly less likely to be in income poverty than those who have had to retire because of the condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to the association between leaving the workforce due to mental health problems and poverty status, efforts to increase the employment of individuals with mental health conditions, or prevent the onset of the conditions, will likely improve living standards.
NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
Deborah J
DJ
Schofield
Emily J
EJ
Callander
Rupendra N
RN
Shrestha
Richard
R
Percival
Simon J
SJ
Kelly
Megan E
ME
Passey
D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D008603:Mental Health / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D016017:Odds Ratio; D019989:Persons with Intellectual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011203:Poverty / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors