Men with disability pension

Area of Science:

• Social Medicine
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• In 1964, disability pensions were granted at a rate of 2.9 per thousand men aged 16-66 in Malmö.
• By 1974, this rate had increased to 10.6 per thousand, a 3.7-fold rise over a decade.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cohorts of men newly granted disability pensions in 1964 and 1974.
• To analyze changes in the characteristics and diagnoses associated with disability pension awards over time.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study design was employed.
• 235 men granted disability pensions for the first time in 1964 were compared to 235 randomly selected men granted first-time pensions in 1974.
• Data on diagnoses, pension type, and age were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The ratio of temporary to permanent disability pensions shifted from 1:2 in 1964 to 1:4 in 1974.
• The average age of recipients increased from 54.9 years in 1964 to 57.4 years in 1974.
• Mental disorders, circulatory system diseases, and musculoskeletal system diseases constituted approximately 70% of diagnoses in both cohorts.

Conclusions:

• There was a significant increase in disability pension awards among men in Malmö between 1964 and 1974.
• The findings suggest a potential shift towards more permanent disability pensions and an aging recipient population.
• The primary diagnostic categories remained consistent, highlighting persistent health challenges in these areas.