Exploring the possible health consequences of job insecurity: a pilot study among young workers

Socio-economical changes in Europe are leading to the rise of new issues regarding the labour market and health of young workers. Job insecurity is a widely studied phenomenon that involves an increasing number of young workers. We investigated its association with mental health and hazardous behaviours.

In this pilot study, 504 subjects aged between 18 and 40 were interviewed. STROBE guidelines were used. Socio-economic factors were evaluated. Adapted forms of validated scales were used to assess depression, anxiety disorder, alcohol and drug abuse and smoking habit. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Job insecurity appeared to be partially connected with the type of employment. Most respondents with a permanent contract felt their situation was secure, while this proportion was reduced when referring to temporary jobs and other kinds of contract (p <0.001). Job security perception was associated with depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse and smoking habit (p <0.001).

Job security perception appears to be the most important predictive factor for the presence of depression and anxiety symptoms, alcohol consumption and smoking habit compared to other socio-economic factors under study.