Regional differences in the prevalence of decreased work ability among young employees in Finland

The demographic developments of municipality types differ distinctly. In population-based surveys, the Work Ability Index (WAI) is a useful tool in identifying decreased work ability and high-risk groups. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of decreased WAI according to municipal settlements.

Cross-sectional analyses on a birth cohort study base.

Data on work ability, occupation and marital status were collected by postal questionnaire and in a clinical examination. Areas of residence were obtained from the Population Registration Centre and were delimited using the Finnish rural tripartitioning and urban settlements. Altogether, 3725 employees living in northern Finland or in the Helsinki region during 1997-1998, and working in a wide range of occupations, were selected for the analyses. Analyses of the association between low WAI scores (at or below 36 points), major occupational group and place of residence were carried out separately for men and women by means of logistic regression.

At an early stage of the working career, decreased work ability is more likely in rural-type municipalities, especially among women. The regional differences were in close linkage to occupation.

In population-based surveys, the WAI questionnaire measures early signs of decreased work ability and it can be utilized in policy-making.