An epidemiologic study on differences in health status between employed men and women in Hawaii

Differences in health status between employed men and employed women were examined. 56,203 participants in a stratified random sample of Hawaii's adult population were interviewed during 1981-1986 in the Hawaii Health Surveillance Program. Multiple regression analysis controlling for sociodemographic and occupational variables showed that although the differences were small, employed women reported more health problems than employed men, especially acute conditions and those requiring more hospital services. The findings of this study indicate a need for further study to understand the nature of the observed differences and to develop relevant preventive programs.