Associations of eveningness with occupational outcomes in mental disorders: the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966

Abstract

Background

The impact of mental health and chronotype on occupational outcomes has been examined, most of the studies linking mental disorders and eveningness with unfavourable occupational outcomes. However, no previous studies have explored the significance of chronotype in income and labour market attachment among individuals with mental disorders.

Method

Utilizing the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 with linkages to registers and questionnaire data, we compared income and labour market attachment until midlife among individuals with 1) morning or intermediate type (M/I-type) and no mental disorder (reference group), 2) evening type (E-type) and no mental disorder, 3) M/I-type and mental disorder, and 4) E-type and mental disorder by using cross-tabulations and regression analyses. We stratified our analysis by sex.

Results

Compared to the reference group, E-types with mental disorders had the lowest cumulative income irrespective of sex. Among females, E-types with mental disorders had the highest risk for poor labour market attachment when compared to the reference group (OR (95 % CI) 2.33 (1.30–4.16)). Among males, M/I-types with mental disorders had heightened odds for poor labour market attachment (OR (95 % CI) 2.25 (1.55–3.27)), whereas for E-types with mental disorders, the risk was slightly non-significant (OR (95 % CI) 2.13 (0.95–4.78)).

Conclusion

This study highlights the significance of chronotype in income and labour market attachment among individuals with mental disorders. From the perspectives of healthcare and employers, individual interventions to support work ability should be targeted at E-types with mental disorders, as eveningness may contribute to poorer occupational outcomes in this group.