Health inequalities to be reduced by promoting employment in the transition from youth to adulthood

Background   The WHO Commission of ‘Social Determinants of Health’ (CSDH, 2008) has emphasised the importance of combating unemployment and social exclusion for health in order to reduce health inequalities. Despite governmental policies to tackle unemployment and ease its effects on health, unemployment among young people continues to be a growing public health problem. Policies require further research considering the heterogeneity among the unemployed people and the differential exposure to health risks.  

Aim   The objective of the study was to analyse, from a gender perspective, the relationships between ill health and unemployment as well as other unstable labour market positions in the transition from youth to adulthood.   Methods   The longitudinal study was carried out in a medium-sized industrial town in the Northern Sweden. The cohort, consisting of all 1083 pupils (506 girls and 577 boys) aged 16 who attended the last year of compulsory school in 1981, was followed up at the ages of 16, 18, 21 and 30. The response rates were high e.g. 96.4% at 14 years follow-up. The cohort was followed with extensive and well-validated questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the association between ill health and unemployment.  

Results   Unemployment seemed to be more health-deteriorating for young people than adults. However, different health outcomes were related to unemployment among men and women during in their transition from youth to adulthood. Structural theory of gender relations was used to provide possible explanations.  

Conclusion   This study indicated gendered patterns of relations between unemployment and the health outcomes, in the transition from youth to adulthood. Increasing young people’s level of participation in society through well-functioning work may not only contribute to improved public health in general, it is also a necessary condition for sustainable growth.