Avaliação do grau de complexidade assistencial da clientela das enfermarias de um pronto-socorro adulto / Assessment of the degree of care complexity of the clientele of the wards of an adult emergency room

O pronto-socorro têm se mostrado um ambiente onde os pacientes ficam internados por longo tempo, desta forma os serviços de emergências sofrem descaracterização dos atendimentos. Uma grande problemática é quantitativo insuficiente de trabalhadores da saúde relacionado ao cuidado exigido e a crescente procura de atendimento dos pacientes de maior complexidade. Para prover o quantitativo e qualitativo dos profissionais de enfermagem é indispensável o atendimento individualizado, integral e sistematizado, almejando assistência adequada dos usuários, a enfermagem precisa categorizar o nível de dependência dos pacientes. Desta forma, tornou-se relevante avaliar a clientela quanto a necessidade de assistência de enfermagem, a fim de colaborar para proteção do paciente e um cuidado de excelência no pronto socorro, fornecendo dados para gerir as demandas dos profissionais de enfermagem da unidade e auxiliando a alocação mais eficaz da equipe. Este estudo objetivou avaliar o grau de complexidade assistencial dos pacientes internados nas enfermarias do pronto socorro adulto de um hospital de grande porte utilizando um Sistema de Classificação do Paciente. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, de natureza exploratória, executado no pronto socorro adulto (PSA) do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro em Minas Gerais (HC-UFTM) no qual foram averiguados os prontuários dos pacientes internados no PSA entre os meses de janeiro a dezembro de 2018. Para análise da complexidade assistencial foi utilizado o Sistema de Classificação de Paciente Fugulin e para coleta das variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas foi utilizado um formulário desenvolvido pela autora. Foram incluídos 308 prontuários de pacientes. Os resultados mostraram que independente da variável analisada, a maioria dos pacientes foram classificados como Cuidados de alta dependência ou Cuidados intermediários. Não foi observada associação entre as variáveis sociodemográficas, comorbidades e hábitos de vida com a complexidade assistencial de acordo com a classificação de Fugulin. Houve predominância por pacientes do sexo masculino (53,9%), idade superior a 60 anos (62,3%). Em relação à regulação, observa-se predominância da Vaga Zero (42,9%), o tipo de regulação foi estatisticamente associado à complexidade assistencial. Notou-se grande frequência de comorbidades na amostra estudada, sendo que apenas 18 pacientes não apresentavam comorbidades. As comorbidades mais prevalentes na população deste estudo foram a hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) (58,1%), cardiopatia (26,9%) e diabetes Mellitus (DM) (22,1%). Houve associação estatisticamente significante entre a necessidade de suporte ventilatório, sedação e uso de drogas vasoativas com a complexidade assistencial avaliada pela Classificação de Fugulin, destacando-se os pacientes classificados como Cuidados de alta dependência e Cuidados intermediários. O tempo médio de internação hospitalar foi de 7 dias, estando associado à complexidade assistencial. Em relação à classificação de risco, houve predominância das cores laranja (50,6 %) e amarelo (47,4%), sendo essas associadas à complexidade assistencial. Este estudo mostrou uma elevada dependência da assistência de enfermagem exigido pelos pacientes internados nas enfermarias do Pronto Socorro

The emergency room has been shown to be an environment where patients are hospitalized for a long time, thus the emergency services suffer from mischaracterization of care. A major problem is the insufficient number of health workers related to the required care and the growing demand for care of more complex patients. To provide the quantitative and qualitative of nursing professionals, individualized, comprehensive and systematized care is essential, aiming at adequate assistance from users, nursing needs to categorize the level of patients' dependence. In this way, it became relevant to evaluate the clientele regarding the need for nursing assistance, in order to collaborate for patient protection and excellent care in the emergency room, providing data to manage the demands of the unit's nursing professionals and helping to more effective team allocation. This study aimed to evaluate the degree of care complexity of patients admitted to the adult emergency room wards of a large hospital using a Patient Classification System. This is a quantitative, exploratory study carried out in the adult emergency room (PSA) of the Hospital de Clínicas of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro in Minas Gerais (HC-UFTM) in which the medical records of patients admitted to the PSA between the months of January to December 2018.For the analysis of care complexity, the Fugulin Patient Classification System was used and a form developed by the author was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical variables. 308 patient records were included. The results showed that regardless of the variable analyzed, most patients were classified as High dependency care or Intermediate care. There was no association between sociodemographic variables, comorbidities and lifestyle habits with care complexity according to the Fugulin classification. There was a predominance of male patients (53.9%), aged over 60 years (62.3%). Regarding regulation, there is a predominance of Vaga Zero (42.9%), the type of regulation was statistically associated with complexity of care. A high frequency of comorbidities was noted in the sample studied, with only 18 patients not having comorbidities. The most prevalent comorbidities in the population of this study were systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) (58.1%), heart disease (26.9%) and diabetes Mellitus (DM) (22.1%). There was a statistically significant association between the need for ventilatory support, sedation and the use of vasoactive drugs with the care complexity assessed by the Fugulin Classification, with emphasis on patients classified as Highly Dependent Care and Intermediate Care. The average hospital stay was 7 days, being associated with care complexity. Regarding the risk classification, there was a predominance of orange (50.6%) and yellow (47.4%), which are associated with care complexity. This study showed a high dependence on the nursing care required by patients admitted to the emergency room wards

Work-related moderators of the relationship between organizational change and sickness absence: a longitudinal multilevel study.

BACKGROUND: A sizeable body of research has demonstrated a relationship between organizational change and increased sickness absence. However, fewer studies have investigated what factors might mitigate this relationship. The aim of this study was to examine if and how the relationship between unit-level downsizing and sickness absence is moderated by three salient work factors: temporary contracts at the individual-level, and control and organizational commitment at the work-unit level. METHODS: We investigated the association between unit-level downsizing, each moderator and both short- and long-term sickness absence in a large Norwegian hospital (n = 21,085) from 2011 to 2016. Data pertaining to unit-level downsizing and employee sickness absence were retrieved from objective hospital registers, and moderator variables were drawn from hospital registers (temporary contracts) and the annual work environment survey (control and organizational commitment). We conducted a longitudinal multilevel random effects regression analysis to estimate the odds of entering short- (< = 8 days) and long-term (> = 9 days) sickness absence for each individual employee. RESULTS: The results showed a decreased risk of short-term sickness absence in the quarter before and an increased risk of short-term sickness absence in the quarter after unit-level downsizing. Temporary contracts and organizational commitment significantly moderated the relationship between unit-level downsizing in the next quarter and short-term sickness absence, demonstrating a steeper decline in short-term sickness absence for employees on temporary contracts and employees in high-commitment units. Additionally, control and organizational commitment moderated the relationship between unit-level downsizing and long-term sickness absence. Whereas employees in high-control work-units had a greater increase in long-term sickness absence in the change quarter, employees in low-commitment work-units had a higher risk of long-term sickness absence in the quarter after unit-level downsizing. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study suggest that the relationship between unit-level downsizing and sickness absence varies according to the stage of change, and that work-related factors moderate this relationship, albeit in different directions. The identification of specific work-factors that moderate the adverse effects of change represents a hands-on foundation for managers and policy-makers to pursue healthy organizational change.

The Association Between Unemployment and Mortality: A Cohort Study of Workplace Downsizing and Closure.

Workplace downsizing and closure have been considered natural experiments that strengthen causal inference when assessing the association between unemployment and health. Selection into unemployment plays a lesser role among those exposed to severe workplace downsizing. This study compared mortality for individuals unemployed from stable, downsized, and closed workplaces with a reference group unexposed to unemployment. We examined nationally representative register data of residents of Finland aged 25-63 years in 1990-2009 (n = 275,738). Compared with the control group, the hazard ratio for substance use-related mortality among men unemployed from stable workplaces was 2.43 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.22, 2.67), from downsized workplaces 1.85 (CI: 1.65, 2.08), and from closed workplaces 2.16 (CI: 1.84, 2.53). Among women, the corresponding estimates were 3.01 (CI: 2.42, 3.74), 2.39 (CI: 1.75, 3.27), and 1.47 (CI: 1.09, 1.99). Unemployment from stable workplaces was associated with mortality from psychiatric and self-harm-related conditions. However, mortality due to ischemic heart disease and other somatic diseases decreased for those unemployed following closure. The results indicate that selection mechanisms partially explain the excess mortality among the unemployed. However, substance-use outcomes among men and women, and fatal accidents and violence among men, might be causally associated with unemployment.

Dimensionamento da força de trabalho para saúde do município de Fortaleza - CE: relatório técnico / Dimensioning the health workforce in the city of Fortaleza - CE: technical report

Trata-se de projeto realizado por pesquisadores do Centro de Inovação em Gestão da Educação e do Trabalho em Saúde - Universidade Federal de Goiás, em parceria com a Secretaria de Gestão do Trabalho e da Educação em Saúde - Ministério da Saúde, conforme demandas intermediadas pelo Departamento de Gestão de Regulação do Trabalho em Saúde.

Layoffs and the mental health and safety of remaining workers: a difference-in-differences analysis of the US aluminium industry.

BACKGROUND: Relatively few studies have examined the effects of layoffs on remaining workers, although the effects of layoffs and downsizing events may extend beyond those employees who lose their jobs. METHODS: We examined the effects of layoffs on mental healthcare utilisation and injury risk among workers at 30 US plants between 2003 and 2013. We defined layoffs as reductions in the hourly workforce of 20% or more at each plant. Using a difference-in-differences approach, we compared the change in outcomes during layoffs versus the same 3-month period 1 year previously, accounting for secular trends with control plants. RESULTS: Our study population included 15 502 workers and 7 layoff events between 2003 and 2013. Layoffs were associated with only minor decreases in injuries (-0.006, 95% CI -0.013 to 0.001). The probability of outpatient visits related to mental health increased by 1% during layoffs (0.010, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.017), and the probability of mental health-related prescriptions increased by 1.4% (0.014, 95% CI -0.0006 to 0.027). Among women, the increase in outpatient visits was more pronounced (0.017, 95% CI 0.003 to 0.031). Increased prescription utilisation appeared attributable primarily to opioid use (0.016, 95% CI 0.005 to 0.027). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate an association between layoffs and remaining workers' mental health and safety, although changes mental healthcare utilisation may reflect both changes in underlying mental health and changes in care-seeking. Future research on concordance of service utilisation and underlying health may yield valuable insight into the experiences employed workers in the wake of layoffs.

Downsizing and purchases of psychotropic drugs: A longitudinal study of stayers, changers and unemployed.

BACKGROUND: The evidence is insufficient regarding the association between organizational downsizing and employee mental health. Our aim was to analyze trajectories of prescribed sedatives and anxiolytics with a sufficiently long follow-up time to capture anticipation, implementation and adaption to a downsizing event among stayers, changers and those who become unemployed compared to unexposed employees. METHOD: Swedish residents aged 20-54 years in 2007, with stable employment between 2004 and 2007, were followed between 2005 and 2013 (n = 2,305,795). Employment at a workplace with staff reductions ≥18% between two subsequent years in 2007-2011 (n = 915,461) indicated exposure to, and timing of, downsizing. The unexposed (n = 1,390,334) were randomized into four corresponding sub-cohorts. With generalized estimating equations, we calculated the odds ratios (OR) of purchasing prescribed anxiolytics or sedatives within nine 12-month periods, from four years before to four years after downsizing. In order to investigate whether the groups changed their probability of purchases over time, odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated contrasting the prevalence of purchases during the first and the last 12-month period within four time periods for each exposure group. RESULTS: The odds of purchasing anxiolytics increased more for stayers (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06) and unemployed (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.14) compared to unexposed before downsizing, and purchases continued to increase after downsizing for stayers. Among those without previous sickness absence, stayers increased their purchases of anxiolytics from the year before the event up to four years after the event. Trajectories for sedatives were similar but less pronounced. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that being exposed to downsizing is associated with increased use of sedatives and anxiolytics, especially before the event, if the employee stays in the organization or becomes unemployed.

Labor market and health trajectories during periods of economic recession and expansion in the United States, 1988‒2011.

Objectives We examined associations between labor market and health (LM-H) trajectories in the United States between 1988 and 2011 and whether associations differed across macroeconomic expansion/recession periods. Methods Working-age cohorts, derived from the US Panel Study of Income Dynamics, were followed over time to characterize LM-H trajectories. Poisson regression provided relative risks (RR) with robust 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between trajectories, adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic variables. Results LM trajectories ending in unemployment (RR 1.7‒2.5 across periods) or inactivity (RR 2.3-3.2) had a greater risk of worsening health trajectories, compared to stable employment. In contrast, RR for individuals returning to work following an intermediary period of unemployment/inactivity were attenuated across most periods. Stable-employed individuals had the highest probability of remaining in good health, whereas trajectories ending in unemployment or inactivity had the lowest probability. These overall relationships were consistent across macroeconomic periods. Conclusions We found strong and consistent relationships between LM-H trajectories across macroeconomic periods. The attenuated (but not eliminated) risk among individuals returning to work following a period of unemployment/inactivity suggests that health outcomes are not only dependent on the LM end-state, but also on the distinct pattern over time.

Organizational downsizing and alcohol use: A national study of U.S. workers during the Great Recession.

Organizational downsizing, which represents the reduction of an organization's workforce, results in a stressful work environment for those who survive the downsizing. However, we know little about the association between surviving an organizational downsizing and employee alcohol use. This study explored the association between exposure to organizational downsizing and four dimensions of alcohol use during the Great Recession. Also explored were the moderating influences of length of recession exposure, state drinking culture, gender, age, education, family income, and financial demands. Data for this study came from a national telephone survey of U.S. workers that was conducted from December 2008 to April 2011 (N=2296). The results revealed that exposure to organizational downsizing was positively associated with usual frequency of drinking, number of drinks consumed per usual drinking occasion, and both the frequency of binge drinking and drinking to intoxication. Length of exposure to the recession moderated the association between organizational downsizing exposure and usual number of drinks consumed. The conditional effects revealed that this association became stronger as length of exposure to the recession increased. Furthermore, age moderated the associations between organizational downsizing exposure and the usual number of drinks consumed and the frequency of binge drinking and intoxication. The conditional effects revealed that these associations were positive and significant among young survivors (ages 40 or younger), but were nonsignificant among middle-aged survivors (over 40years of age). State drinking culture, gender, education, family income, and financial demands did not moderate the associations between organizational downsizing exposure and alcohol use.

Changes in occupational mental and physical health and health symptoms during the economic recession.

BACKGROUND: In 2008, many Western countries faced a great economic recession, the result of which was increased unemployment and reduced public expenditure. OBJECTIVE: This article focuses on changes in the self-reported mental and physical health and health symptoms of the remaining employees of Icelandic municipalities who worked within the educational system and the care service during the economic recession. We examine gender differences in health and differences between downsized workplaces and workplaces where no downsizing occurred and differences between workplaces with heavy workload and light workload. METHODS: The study is based on a balanced panel online survey and focus groups. RESULTS: The main finding is that both the mental and physical health of employees deteriorated year by year between 2010, 2011 and 2013 in all workplaces although the downsized workplaces and workplaces with heavy workloads fared worse. At the same time, public expenditure on the health care system was reduced. CONCLUSIONS: We hope that our results encourage further studies in the field and that they will be taken into account when dealing with prevention and rehabilitation initiatives.

Dimensioning of hospital nursing personnel: study with brazilian official parameters of 2004 and 2017 / Dimensionamiento de personal de enfermería hospitalaria: estudio con parámetros oficiales brasileños de 2004 y 2017 / Dimensionamento de pessoal de enfermagem hospitalar: estudo com parâmetros oficiais brasileiros de 2004 e 2017

Abstract Objective: To investigate the dimensions of the nursing team of a hospital unit according to the official Brazilian parameters of 2004 and 2017 and compare the dimensioned conditions to the actual condition existing. Method: A cross-sectional study with data from patients (n = 325) hospitalized in the Neurology and Orthopedics unit of a university hospital in Paraná, Brazil. Data from the Patient Classification System related to nursing work, as well as sociodemographic and clinical variables of the clientele were compiled. The dimensioning of the nursing staff followed the Federal Nursing Council Resolutions of 2004 and 2017. Results: The profile of the patients showed predominantly men (66.46%) hospitalized for Orthopedics (49.58%). The negative difference of professionals dimensioned compared to the actual condition was more evident for the category of nurses, below both the parameters of 2004 (-8) and 2017 (-11). Conclusions: The number of nursing staff in the unit was insufficient.

Resumen Objetivo: Dimensionar el equipo de enfermería de una unidad hospitalaria según los parámetros oficiales brasileños de 2004 y 2017; comparar los cuadros dimensionados con lo real existente. Método: Estudio transversal, realizado entre junio y septiembre de 2016, en la unidade de Neurología y Ortopedia de un hospital universitario de Paraná, Brasil. Los datos fueron procesados en el Sistema de Clasificación de Pacientes, relativos al equipo de enfermería; y variables sociodemográficas y clínicas de la clientela (n = 325). El cálculo del personal de enfermería respondió a las resoluciones del Consejo Federal de Enfermería 2004 y 2017. Resultados: El perfil de los pacientes eran predominantemente hombres (66,46%) admitidos por Ortopedia (49,58%). La diferencia negativa de profesionales dimensionados en comparación con lo real fue más evidente para la categoría de enfermeros, tanto a los parámetros de 2004 (-8) como los de 2017 (-11). Conclusiones: El cuantitativo de enfermería en la unidad es insuficiente.

Resumo Objetivo: Dimensionar a equipe de enfermagem de uma unidade hospitalar segundo os parâmetros oficiais brasileiros de 2004 e de 2017 e, comparar os quadros dimensionados ao quadro real existente. Método: Estudo transversal realizado entre junho a setembro de 2016 na unidade de Neurologia e Ortopedia de um hospital universitário do Paraná, Brasil. Compilou-se dados do Sistema de Classificação de Pacientes, relativos à equipe de enfermagem; e, variáveis sociodemográficas e clínicas da clientela (n = 325). O dimensionamento de pessoal respondeu às Resoluções do Conselho Federal de Enfermagem nacional de 2004 e 2017. Resultados: O perfil dos pacientes era de homens (66,46%) internados pela Ortopedia (49,58%). A diferença negativa de profissionais dimensionados em comparação ao quadro real foi mais evidente para enfermeiros, tanto aos parâmetros de 2004 (-8) como de 2017 (-11). Houve superávit de técnicos de enfermagem (+6) pelos parâmetros antigos. Conclusões: O quadro de pessoal de enfermagem da unidade é insuficiente.

Purchases of Prescription Antidepressants in the Swedish Population in Relation to Major Workplace Downsizing.

Organizational downsizing may be a risk factor for morbidity among both the displaced and those who remain in work. However, the knowledge is limited regarding its impact on clinically relevant mental health problems. Our objective was to investigate purchases of prescription antidepressants across 5 years in relation to workplace downsizing. We studied all Swedish residents 2004 throughout 2010, 22-54 years old in 2006, gainfully employed, and with a stable labor market position up to 2006. People primarily employed at a workplace with ≥18% staff reduction were considered exposed to major downsizing (in 2006-2007, 2007-2008, or 2008-2009). We applied repeated measures regression analyses through generalized estimating equations, calculating odds of any purchase of prescription antidepressants (inferred from the prescribed drug register) within five 12-month periods from 2 years before to 2 years after the period of major downsizing and compared the trends for newly exposed (n = 632,500) and unexposed (n = 1,021,759) to major downsizing. The odds of purchasing prescription antidepressants for exposed increased more than for nonexposed, mainly peridownsizing (1 year before to 1 year after), and postdownsizing (1 year after to 2 years after) for survivors (odds ratio 1.24 vs. 1.14 peridownsizing and 1.12 vs. 1.00 postdownsizing) and those changing workplace (odds ratio 1.22 vs. 1.14 peridownsizing and 1.10 vs. 1.00 postdownsizing) with no previous sickness absence or disability pension (≥7% more than unexposed peri- and postdownsizing). This large-scale study indicates that downsizing is associated with a slight increase in the odds of purchasing prescription antidepressants among people without previous sickness absence or disability pension.

Depressive symptoms as a cause and effect of job loss in men and women: evidence in the context of organisational downsizing from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined depression as both a cause and effect of unemployment, but no prior work investigated these relationships in the context of organisational downsizing. We explored whether the exposure to downsizing is associated with subsequent depression (social causation), and whether pre-existing depression increases the risk of being laid off when organisations downsize (health selection). METHODS: Two successive waves of the nationally representative Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health represented the baseline (2008) and follow-up (2010) of this study. Analyses included 196 workers who lost their jobs through downsizing, 1462 layoff survivors remaining in downsized organisations and 1845 employees of non-downsized workplaces. The main outcomes were: (1) Depressive symptoms at follow-up, assessed with a brief subscale from the Symptom Checklist 90, categorised by severity levels ("major depression", "less severe symptoms" and "no depression") and analysed in relation to earlier downsizing exposure; (2) Job loss in persons with downsizing in relation to earlier depressive symptoms. The associations were assessed by means of multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Job loss consistently predicted subsequent major depression among men and women, with a somewhat greater effect size in men. Surviving a layoff was significantly associated with subsequent major depression in women but not in men. Women with major depression have increased risks of exclusion from employment when organisations downsize, whereas job loss in men was not significantly influenced by their health. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from this study suggests that the relative importance of social causation and health selection varies by gender in the context of organisational downsizing. Strategies for handling depression among employees should be sensitive to gender-specific risks during layoffs. Policies preventing social exclusion can be important for female workers at higher risk of depression.

Sickness and sickness absence of remaining employees in a time of economic crisis: a study among employees of municipalities in Iceland.

This article focuses on sickness and sickness absence among employees of 20 municipalities in Iceland who remained at work after the economic crisis in October 2008. The aim was to examine the impact of economic crisis on sickness and sickness absence of "survivors" working within the educational system (primary school teachers and kindergarten teachers) and the care services (elderly care and care of disabled people) operated by the municipalities. The study was based on mixed methods research comprising a balanced panel data set and focus groups. An online survey conducted three times among 2356 employees of 20 municipalities and seven focus group interviews in two municipalities (39 participants). The generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze the quantitative data, and focused coding was used to analyze the qualitative data. The main finding showed that the economic crisis had negative health implications for the municipal employees. The negative effects grew stronger over time. Employee sickness and sickness absence increased substantially in both downsized and non-downsized workplaces. However, employees of downsized workplaces were more likely to be sick. Sickness and sickness absence were more common among younger than older employees, but no gender differences were observed. The study demonstrates the importance of protecting the health and well-being of all employees in the wake of an economic crisis, not only those who lose their jobs or work in downsized workplaces. This is important in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, but also for a significant time thereafter. This is of practical relevance for those responsible for occupational health and safety, as most Western countries periodically go through economic crises, resulting in strains on employees.

Creating a more quit-friendly national workforce? Individual layoff history and voluntary turnover.

Although Bureau of Labor Statistics data reveal that U.S. employers laid off over 30 million employees since 1994, virtually no research has addressed the behavior of layoff victims upon reemployment. In a first step, we investigate how layoffs shape voluntary turnover behavior in subsequent jobs. Utilizing a recently developed fixed effects specification of survival analysis, we find that a layoff history is positively associated with quit behavior. This effect is partially mediated by underemployment and job satisfaction in the postlayoff job. The remaining direct effect is consistent with the notion that layoffs produce a psychological spillover to postlayoff employment, which then manifests in quit behavior. We also find that layoff effects on turnover attenuate as an individual's layoffs accumulate and vary in magnitude according to the turnover "path" followed by the leaver.

Health consequences of the 'Great Recession' on the employed: evidence from an industrial cohort in aluminum manufacturing.

While the negative effects of unemployment have been well studied, the consequences of layoffs and downsizing for those who remain employed are less well understood. This study uses human resources and health claims data from a large multi-site fully insured aluminum company to explore the health consequences of downsizing on the remaining workforce. We exploit the variation in the timing and intensity of layoff to categorize 30 plants as high or low layoff plants. Next, we select a stably employed cohort of workers with history of health insurance going back to 2006 to 1) describe the selection process into layoff and 2) explore the association between the severity of plant level layoffs and the incidence of four chronic conditions in the remaining workforce. We examine four health outcomes: incident hypertension, diabetes, asthma/COPD and depression for a cohort of approximately 13,000 employees. Results suggest that there was an increased risk of developing hypertension for all workers and an increased risk of developing diabetes for salaried workers that remain at the plants with the highest level of layoffs. The hypertension results were robust to a several specification tests. In addition, the study design selected only healthy workers, therefore our estimates are likely to be a lower bound and suggest that adverse health consequences of the 2007-2009 recession may have affected a broader proportion of the population than previously expected.

Job insecurity and sickness absence: correlations between attrition and absence in 36 occupational groups.

AIMS: To investigate how job insecurity, as indicated by attrition rates out of employment, affects sickness absence among remaining workers. METHODS: A longitudinal analysis investigated how the percentage of workers absent due to sickness was affected by attrition out of employment in Norwegian Labour Force Surveys from 1997 to 2005, between 31 quarterly observations at the level of 36 occupational groups. RESULTS: Rising attrition is associated with more sickness absence. CONCLUSIONS: Previous research has argued that job insecurity can lead to more absence because of a stressor effect as well as to less absence because of a disciplinary effect. This research indicates that the stressor effect is stronger than the disciplinary effect.