A meta-analysis of unemployment risk factors for middle-aged workers

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors for unemployment among middle-aged workers.

Searches were carried out in PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar until November 2024, focusing on observational longitudinal studies that involved workers aged 40-64 years. Three reviewers evaluated the quality of the studies. A random-effects meta-analysis was employed, and heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed.

Out of 10 432 reports, 19 longitudinal studies (N=374 585 participants) were included in the review. The meta-analysis identified multiple risk factors associated with unemployment, including suboptimal self-rated general health [hazard ratio (HR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-1.70], mental health conditions [HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.30-1.68, particularly depressive symptoms (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14-1.76)], low job control (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.17-1.43), and lack of physical activity (HR 1.56, 95% CI 1.13-2.15). Additionally, a higher risk of unemployment was observed among individuals with ≤12 years of education (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00-1.36), those who are unmarried, separated, or widowed (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.14-1.79), and immigrants (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11-1.44). Age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, digestive diseases, diabetes, neoplasm, and limitations in daily activities did not increase unemployment risk.

This meta-analysis highlights the impact of mental health conditions, low job control, and lack of leisure-time physical activity on unemployment risk among middle-aged workers. Interventions aimed at improving mental health and increasing job control and physical activity could reduce unemployment risk.