The role of multi-morbidity, social factors, work environment and treatment on labor market marginalization after sick leave due to depression, anxiety and stress-related mental disorders.

Research problem and specific questionsKnowledge is limited on the role of multimorbidity, work-related and social factors as well as treatment on the path to labor market marginalization after sick leave due to common mental disorders (CMDs), i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.

This project aims to gain knowledge on how (1) social- and work-related factors, multi-morbidity, and (2) sick-leave patterns and treatment are associated with subsequent labor market marginalization after sick leave due to CMDs.Data and methodWe will use individually linked Swedish register data.

Individuals, between the age of 21-50, residing in Sweden in 2006-09 (n=3,661,300), and among them those who started sick leave due to CMDs (49,903) will be included and followed regarding labor market outcomes.

We will use sequence analysis and multi-state models to examine labor market marginalization patterns and transitions between labor market states in relation to prognostic factors after sick leave due to CMDs.

Furthermore, all individuals living in the Stockholm region in 2014-19 (n=1,215,437) will form an additional study base.

Network- and regression analyses will be used to examine the association between multi-morbidity patterns, treatment options and labor market marginalization.Plan for project realizationThis interdisciplinary project involves international collaborations analyzing data that has already been acquired.

The three year project budget will cover 50% of the salaries for a postdoctoral researcher and the main applicant, 5% of salaries for co-applicants and costs including drug use modeling, data management, administrative costs such as knowledge exchange and dissemination, publication and premises.RelevanceThere is a large number of individuals with work disability and sick leave due to CMDs in Europe and in Sweden.

Keeping individuals in the labor market and avoiding their labor market marginalization after sick leave due to CMDs is important both from a societal and an individual’s perspective and for achieving sustainable working life goals. Knowledge on risk factors and treatment can provide the basis for tailor-made, person-centered interventions.