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Occup Environ Med 2008;65:171-178 doi:10.1136/oem.2007.033159
  • Original article

Contribution of non-work and work-related risk factors to the association between income and mental disorders in a working population: the Health 2000 Study

  1. M Virtanen1,4,
  2. S Koskinen2,
  3. M Kivimäki1,5,
  4. T Honkonen1,5,
  5. J Vahtera1,
  6. K Ahola1,
  7. J Lönnqvist1
  1. 1
    Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
  2. 2
    National Public Health Institute, Department of Health and Functional Capacity, Helsinki, Finland
  3. 3
    National Public Health Institute, Department of Mental Health and Alcohol Research, Helsinki, Finland, and University of Helsinki, Department of Psychiatry, Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki, Finland
  4. 4
    University of Helsinki, Department of Psychology, Helsinki, Finland
  5. 5
    University College London Medical School, International Centre for Health and Society, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, London, UK
  1. M Virtanen, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Topeliuksenkatu 41 aA, FI-00250 Helsinki, Finland; marianna.virtanen{at}ttl.fi
  • Accepted 3 August 2007

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the contribution of non-work and work factors to the association between income and DSM-IV depressive and anxiety disorders in a working population.

Methods: A representative sample of the Finnish working population aged 30–64 (1667 men, 1707 women) in 2000–2001 responded to a survey questionnaire on non-work factors (marital status, housing conditions, non-work social support, violence victimisation, smoking, physical symptoms), work factors (job demands, job control, social support at work, educational prospects, job insecurity) and household income. Somatic health was examined in a standard health examination. The 12-month prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders was examined with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Results: The risk of having a depressive or anxiety disorder was 2.8 times higher in the low-income group than in the high-income group among men and 2.0 times higher among women. For men, non-work and work factors explained 20% and 31% of this association, respectively. For women, the corresponding figures were 65% and 23%.

Conclusions: Low income is associated with frequent mental disorders among a working population. In particular, work factors among men and non-work factors among women contribute to the income differences in mental health.

Footnotes

  • Competing interests: None.

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