The California Work and Health Survey (CWHS) was initiated by researchers at University of California, San Francisco in 1998, as part of the California Wellness Foundation's Work and Health Initiative. The goals of the survey include identifying the health impacts of the current labor market, where rapid technological change and frequent job shifts have become the norm. The CWHS is fielded annually by telephone to a representative sample of California adults; 909 participants were interviewed in both 1998 and 1999. The survey's longitudinal design allows for an analysis of how the patterns and characteristics of employment can lead to or exacerbate health disparities.
We report the results of multivariate regressions estimating the impact of continuous lack of work, involuntary job loss (displacement), and numerous characteristics of inadequate or stressful employment on declining health between 1998 and 1999. Compared to those with stable employment in the three years preceding the 1998 survey, those continuously out of work are twice as likely to experience declining health over the ensuing 12 months. Moreover, the likelihood of declining health is nearly four-fold greater among those who were involuntarily displaced from a job in the year preceding the survey. However, there is no evidence that seasonal, part-time, or contingent employment, long hours, multiple jobs, physically demanding work, or lack of autonomy at work have a measurable effect on health over this one-year period. These preliminary results indicate that increasing opportunities for stable employment would be a means to reducing health disparities in California.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss recent findings from The California Work and Health Survey, a longitudinal study funded by The California Wellness Foundation examining the impact of the changing nature of work and health of Californians. 2. Report results on the impact of continuous lack of work, involuntary job loss (displacement), and numerous characteristics of inadequate or stressful employment on declining health between 1998 and 1999. 3. Present data on those most likely to experience poor health as a result of workplace changes
Keywords: Organizational Change, Health Risks
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Member of the Future of Work and Health program funded by The California Wellness Foundation