The role of mental health-related healthcare use in employment and benefits use after unemployment

Abstract Background Mental health problems are common among unemployed job-seekers and they further hinder successful re-employment. Previous studies investigating the role of mental health problems on labour market participation after unemployment have largely focused on a single outcome. However, many have subsequent unemployment or receive different types of benefits. To understand these complex pathways a more comprehensive approach is needed. In this study, we examine how mental health-related healthcare use among the unemployed affects their employment and benefit use trajectories. Methods We use a 90% population sample of individuals who were residing in Finland at the end of 2010, who were 25-59 years old and unemployed between 2014-2016 (n = 596,323). We use multistate trajectory models to analyse their employment and benefits use development three years after the onset of unemployment. We will further use multinominal regression analysis to investigate how mental health-based healthcare use is associated with these trajectories and how this association varies between different sociodemographic groups. Results Around half of the unemployed job-seekers received some type of benefit after the onset of unemployment. Almost 25 % received sickness allowance (especially women), a little less social assistance (especially young and low educated), or unemployment benefits (especially men), and around 10 % received disability pension (especially among those with healthcare visits due to mental disorders). Next, we will conduct a trajectory analysis to get a more comprehensive picture of the employment and benefits trajectories. Conclusions Unemployment is followed by complex employment and benefits trajectories which further differ by sociodemographic groups and mental health-related healthcare use. Knowledge on the factors influencing these trajectories will help direct employment-promoting interventions towards different groups of unemployed. Key messages • Many unemployed job-seekers receive some type of social or sickness benefit after unemployment. • The employment and benefits trajectories after unemployment differ between those who had mental health-related healthcare use and those who did not, and further by sociodemographic factors.