Prevalence of healthcare visits and sick leaves due to mental health diagnoses since 2010 in Finland

Abstract Background Globally, 15% of working-age adults have a mental disorder. Occupational groups are known to differ in the risks of mental health, sickness absences (SA), and disability pensions (DP), but prevalence has rarely been investigated using these measures together. This study investigated those employed in social and healthcare; arts, culture, and event industry occupations compared to all other occupations from 2010 to 2021. Additionally, the strengths and weaknesses of different indicators for the extent of mental health problems were assessed. The data source was the nationally representative registry data of working-age (18-68 years) employed individuals living in Finland during the years 2010-2021 (n > 2 million individuals). Methods Prevalence was calculated as the proportion of individuals who had at least one specialized healthcare visit, SA day, or DP due to a mental health diagnosis (ICD10 F-diagnoses) within a year while we also compared those with any diagnosis for SA and DP. Results The proportion of those with a specialized healthcare visit due to a mental health diagnosis increased, especially among 18-29-year-olds. The increase was most pronounced in the arts, culture, and event industry, but also among all. The proportion of those with SA due to a mental health diagnosis increased in the social and healthcare sector from 3.5% in 2010 to 5.0% in 2021; in the arts, culture, and event industry from 1.7% to 2.7%, and in other sectors from 1.6% to 2.2%. The prevalence of DP was low and decreasing. Conclusions The prevalence of specialized healthcare visits and SA due to mental health diagnoses was increasing. The increase in specialized healthcare visits, particularly among young people and those in the arts, culture, and event industry, should be monitored, and measures should be targeted toward the prevention and treatment of mental ill-health to lower the public health burden. Moreover, the increase in SA requires action. Key messages • The prevalence of specialized healthcare visits and sickness absences due to mental health increased but in different ways across occupational groups. • Indicators for the prevalence of mental health differ across occupational groups, so careful consideration is needed to ensure prevention, and that mental health support is appropriately targeted.