Comparison of quality of life in workers and unemployed

ABSTRACT In this study quality of life (QOL) of industry workers and unemployed were examined in a cross- sectional setting. Short form 36 (SF 36) was used as QOL outcome. The study covered unemployed individuals who applied to Izmir Employment Office between 3-7 April 2000 and all the workers working in a paper processing plant. The study was completed with a total of 345 people of whom 201 were unemployed and 144 were workers. The age of the study group was between 17 and 59 years and the mean age was 28.9. The majority of the study group were male (83.5 %) and in blue collar occupational classes. The mental component scale (MCS) mean scores of the unemployed who have been seeking a job for than 6 months were significantly lower than those of the ones who have been seeking a job for than 6 months. On the other hand regarding the total amount of unemployed period in the previous two years physical component scale (PCS) and MCS mean scores did not differ. Among the workers, seeking a job caused a significant decrease in the MCS mean scores. PCS mean scores in unemployed were found significantly higher than workers. There was no difference in MCS with regard to employment status. In the multiple regression model, gender, marital status, alcohol consumption and employment status turned out to be related with PCS. According to the constructed model being female, married, using alcohol, and working have influenced PCS adversely. As for the MCS the same multiple regression model was applied and marital status, alcohol consumption, and subjective financial strain took place in the final model. The MCS scores were lower in the married, alcohol users, and higher in "living comfortable" group. As a result, long standing unemployment adversely affected mental health. Those who search for a job in the working group had lower MCS mean scores, which indicates that the negative influence on mental health is mainly due to "seeking a job" even further than being unemployed. Unemployed made higher PCS scores than workers. This finding indicated that the unemployed may tend to rate their physical health better than their actual situation. Working conditions, unemployment, and health should be examined together. The studies regarding on health effects of types of employment might be fruitful in debates on unemployment, working life and health. Key words: Working life, unemployment, quality of life. ?mCL ¥ttSMKÖCRETOl EMffJh