The impact of employment stability on all-cause mortality among young workers

Employment status significantly affects individuals' well-being and health outcomes. Positive transitions, such as moving from unemployment to employment, can improve job satisfaction and social standing, while negative transitions, such as unemployment, have been associated with adverse health outcomes.

To assess the impact of employment stability on health outcomes among young workers.

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. The study included 4 031 249 individuals aged 25-44 years who underwent health check-ups between 2009 and 2010. Employment stability was categorized into two groups: stable employment and unstable employment. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the impact of employment stability on the risk of all-cause mortality.

Unstable employment significantly increased the risk of all-cause mortality in both men and women compared with the stable employment group. The HRs were 1.80 (95% CI: 1.74-1.86) for men and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.49-1.68) for women. The impact was most pronounced among individuals aged 40-44 years, those in higher-income subgroups, and those with diabetes, highlighting these groups as particularly vulnerable to the effects of unstable employment.

This study highlights the impact of employment stability on all-cause mortality, focusing on gender differences, young workers and social role theory.