Clinical and social characteristics of male parasuicides: variation by employment status and duration of unemployment

Abstract Background Employment status is an important determinant of health inequalities. The aim of this article is to analyze the association between duration of unemployment and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, self-perception of health and presence of depression and anxiety, assessing differences in the effects of unemployment by sex and age. Methods The sample was composed of 12 123 people (52.4% men), 18 to 74 years old (mean age= 43.5 years, SD = 10.4). Logistic regression analyses were used to study the influence of duration of unemployment on health (‘0 days’, ‘≤11 months’ and ‘≥12 months’). Sex, age, level of education, employment status and time spent unemployed, as well as tobacco and alcohol use and physical activity, were considered. Morbidity variables were hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, depression and anxiety, and a subjective health assessment. Results The results showed both unemployed men and women had worse outcome in health compared with their active counterparts. The risk of hypertension was presented in long-term unemployed men, which had 1.3 times more likely to suffer from hypertension. The risk of obesity was presented only in unemployed women, which had 1.5 times more risk of obesity, doubling the risk (OR= 2.2) among women under age 40. The unemployment had a protective effect against anxiety among younger women (OR = 0.53) Conclusion It has been observed a different influence of unemployment time on men and women’s health. The employment status should be considered in public health policy agendas with the purpose of reducing inequalities in health.

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Study on employability of mechanical engineering graduates from Sunyani Technical University of Ghana

Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability ◽

10.21153/jtlge2021vol12no2art1002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (2) ◽

pp. 185-205

Author(s):

Bernard Aboagye ◽

Julius Puoza

Keyword(s):

Employment Status ◽

Mechanical Engineering ◽

National Development ◽

Sampling Techniques ◽

Phone Calls ◽

Main Challenge ◽

Duration Of Unemployment ◽

Technical University ◽

Acquisition Processes ◽

University Of Ghana

Although the Government of Ghana gives considerable attention to technical education to accelerate national development, some graduates remain unemployed for years after graduation. In this study, employability of mechanical engineering graduates from Sunyani Technical University of Ghana is presented. It assessed the employment status and duration of unemployment of the graduates, identified the factors that hinder their employability and the challenges that require attention prior to graduation of students, and made suggestions for improvement. Respondents of the study were 131 graduates from 2014-2017 graduation years, comprising 50% of graduates from each of the Program options in the department. The sampling techniques used were purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. A questionnaire was the research instrument used for data collection and it was administered using e-mails, WhatsApp and phone calls. The results revealed that the employment status of the graduates was about 84% with the duration of unemployment about 29%, 41% and 19% for one, two and three years after their national service respectively. The main factor hindering employability of the graduates was inadequate practical skills since more attention was given to theory at the expense of practical work. The main challenge which requires attention prior to graduation of students was the lack of job-seeking skills. The Department should therefore, focus more on the practical element of the Programs by increasing the practical hours and partner with industry for curriculum development, more internship opportunities and industrial tours, and organise seminars on job acquisition processes prior to graduation of students to enhance employability of the graduates.

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