[Does health status improve after re-assumption of ABM employment?]

Due to structural problems of the East German economy the level of unemployment will probably remain high for the next ten years. Thus, thousands of health-employment-schemes are established to reduce negative social and financial consequences of unemployment for those groups that are most affected. In this study the effects of temporary re-employment on health within the bounds of a job-creating measure are examined. By questionnaire employees of two firms in Magdeburg that exclusively occupies former unemployed men and women were asked about their subjective health status and changes in health status since re-employment. 217 employees filled the questionnaire (response rate: 50%; mean age: 45 years, mean duration of former unemployment: 18 months). About one half of the employees (48%) report positive effects on health after re-employment. This percentage is highest in the age group 50 years and older. The frequency of health impairments remained unchanged for half of the workers, the rest mainly stated fewer impairments. Poor working conditions or physical overtaxing decreases the positive effects of re-employment. Employees who had a positive attitude towards their work report on positive effects on health and other aspects of life more than average.

Negative consequences of unemployment on physical and psychological health are well understood. On the other hand, our study demonstrates positive effects on health and a reduction of health impairments by temporary job-creating measures. This is influenced by the working conditions and the social environment of the employees. Further investigation are needed for detailed medical evaluation of job-creating schemes.