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[Disability pensions among immigrants in Oslo].
1Institutt for sosialmedisin, Universitetet i Oslo, Rikshospitalet.
Summary
Immigrants from Pakistan, Turkey, and Morocco receiving disability pensions in Norway often cite musculoskeletal pain, unlike the general population. Difficult working conditions and cultural factors may contribute to this higher prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Higher prevalence of vocational disability pensions among immigrants from Pakistan, Turkey, and Morocco in Norway compared to the general population.
- Immigrants settled in Norway in the late 1960s and early 1970s seeking employment.
- Study focuses on cohorts of males and females aged 40-54 receiving disability pensions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind the higher prevalence of vocational disability pensions among specific immigrant groups in Norway.
- To compare the diagnostic basis for disability pensions between immigrant populations and the general Norwegian disabled population.
- To explore the influence of living, working, and cultural conditions on disability pension claims.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two cohorts of males and females aged 40-44 and 50-54 years.
- Comparison of diagnostic reasons (musculoskeletal pain vs. psychiatric diagnoses) for disability pensions between immigrant groups and the Norwegian disabled population.
- Discussion of socio-economic factors, working conditions, and cultural differences.
Main Results:
- Musculoskeletal pain syndromes are a significantly more common reason for disability pensions among immigrants compared to the Norwegian disabled population.
- Psychiatric diagnoses are less frequent among immigrants receiving disability pensions.
- Immigrants' jobs are characterized by physical hardships and long working hours, potentially leading to higher disability rates.
Conclusions:
- Difficult living and working conditions, including physically demanding jobs and long hours, are likely key factors contributing to the high prevalence of vocational disability among immigrants.
- The stigmatizing nature of psychiatric diagnoses may lead to their concealment.
- Cultural norms favoring early retirement and the Norwegian social security system's policies may also influence the high rate of disability pension applications.