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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-04-2021 | Original Article

Associations between depressive complaints and indicators of labour participation among older Dutch employees: a prospective cohort study

Authors: Jacqueline G. M. Jennen, N. W. H. Jansen, L. G. P. M. van Amelsvoort, J. J. M. Slangen, I. J. Kant

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 3/2021

Abstract

Purpose

European policy measures have led to an increased net labour participation of older employees. Yet, via different routes (for instance disability schemes) employees still often leave the labour market early. Mental health may be an important factor hindering labour participation. Aims of this study are twofold: first, to examine the relationship between mental health—particularly depressive complaints—and indicators of labour participation among older employees over a 2-year follow-up period and second, to explore the impact of different work contexts when studying this relation.

Methods

A subsample of older employees (aged > 45 years; n = 1253) from the Maastricht Cohort Study was studied. Depressive complaints were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. Logistic and Cox regression analyses covered 2 years of follow-up and were also stratified for relevant work-related factors.

Results

Employees with mild depressive complaints showed statistically significantly higher risks for poor mental workability (HR 2.60, 95% CI 1.14–5.92) and high psychological disengagement levels (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.21–4.57) over time compared to employees without depressive complaints. Within various work contexts, for instance in which employees perform physically demanding work or have high psychological job demands, significantly stronger associations were found between depressive complaints and poor mental workability over time.

Conclusions

This study shows strong longitudinal associations between depressive complaints and indicators of labour participation, also within different work contexts over time. Results provide valuable input for developing preventive measure aiming to enhance sustainable labour participation of older employees.

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Title: Associations between depressive complaints and indicators of labour participation among older Dutch employees: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jacqueline G. M. Jennen
N. W. H. Jansen
L. G. P. M. van Amelsvoort
J. J. M. Slangen
I. J. Kant
Publication date: 01-04-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-020-01584-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Associations between depressive complaints and indicators of labour participation among older Dutch employees: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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