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Association of returning to work with better health in working-aged adults: A systematic review

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  • Rueda, S.
  • Chambers, L.
  • Wilson, M.
  • Mustard, C.
  • Rourke, S.B.
  • Bayoumi, A.
  • Raboud, J.
  • Lavis, J.

Abstract

Objectives: We systematically reviewed the literature on the impact of returning to work on health among working-aged adults. Methods: We searched 6 electronic databases in 2005. We selected longitudinal studies that documented a transition from unemployment to employment and included a comparison group. Two reviewers independently appraised the retrieved literature for potential relevance and methodological quality. Results: Eighteen studies met our inclusion criteria, including 1 randomized controlled trial. Fifteen studies revealed a beneficial effect of returning to work on health, either demonstrating a significant improvement in health after reemployment or a significant decline in health attributed to continued unemployment. We also found evidence for health selection, suggesting that poor health interferes with people's ability to go back to work. Some evidence suggested that earlier reemployment may be associated with better health. Conclusions: Beneficial health effects of returning to work have been documented in a variety of populations, times, and settings. Return-to-work programs may improve not only financial situations but also health.

Suggested Citation

  • Rueda, S. & Chambers, L. & Wilson, M. & Mustard, C. & Rourke, S.B. & Bayoumi, A. & Raboud, J. & Lavis, J., 2012. "Association of returning to work with better health in working-aged adults: A systematic review," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(3), pages 541-556.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2011.300401_4
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300401
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    Cited by:

    1. Taina Leinonen & Eira Viikari-Juntura & Heikki Räisänen & Santtu Sundvall & Antti Kauhanen & Svetlana Solovieva, 2021. "Does Work Disability Contribute to Trajectories of Work Participation before and after Vocational Labour Market Training for Job Seekers?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-17, February.
    2. Carmen H Logie & Jesse I R Jenkinson & Valerie Earnshaw & Wangari Tharao & Mona R Loutfy, 2016. "A Structural Equation Model of HIV-Related Stigma, Racial Discrimination, Housing Insecurity and Wellbeing among African and Caribbean Black Women Living with HIV in Ontario, Canada," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(9), pages 1-20, September.
    3. Imma Cortès-Franch & Vanessa Puig-Barrachina & Hernán Vargas-Leguás & M. Marta Arcas & Lucía Artazcoz, 2019. "Is Being Employed Always Better for Mental Wellbeing Than Being Unemployed? Exploring the Role of Gender and Welfare State Regimes during the Economic Crisis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-16, November.
    4. Holmås, Tor Helge & Monstad, Karin & Reme, Silje Endresen, 2021. "Regular employment for people with mental illness – An evaluation of the individual placement and support programme," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 270(C).
    5. Stein Atle Lie & Torill H Tveito & Silje E Reme & Hege R Eriksen, 2017. "IQ and mental health are vital predictors of work drop out and early mortality. Multi-state analyses of Norwegian male conscripts," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 12(7), pages 1-15, July.
    6. Curnock, Esther & Leyland, Alastair H. & Popham, Frank, 2016. "The impact on health of employment and welfare transitions for those receiving out-of-work disability benefits in the UK," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 162(C), pages 1-10.
    7. KB Boomer & Liza M. Conyers & Yili Wang & Yung-Chen Jen Chiu, 2022. "Measuring Phases of Employment Decision-Making and the Need for Vocational Services as a Social Determinant of the Health of Employed People Living with HIV," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-16, November.

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