Occupation type, family demands and mental health: analysis of linked administrative data

While employment generally promotes positive health and wellbeing, some jobs may be less salutogenic than others. Few studies have examined mental health across a range of broadly defined occupation types using a large population sample.

To examine the prevalence of mental health problems across a wide range of occupation types, and further examine the association of family demands, controlling for key social determinants and health-related factors.

We used linked administrative data from 2011 NI Census returns; NI Properties data; and Enhanced Prescribing Data (EPD) 2011/12. We examined self-reported mental health problems and receipt of psychotropic medication among 553,925 workers aged 25 and 59 years.

Self-reported chronic mental ill health was more prevalent among workers in lower paid occupations, while "public- facing" occupations had the highest rates of medication. In fully adjusted models, informal caregivers were less likely to report mental health problems but more likely to be in receipt of psychotropic medication, as were lone parents. The association of family demands also varied across occupational groupings.

Future development of mental health at work plans should take cognisance of occupation specific mental health risk and wider family circumstances to support workers' mental wellbeing most effectively.