Change in Work-Related Income Following the Uptake of Treatment for Mental Disorders Among Young Migrant Women in Norway: A National Register Study
Abstract Background: Mental disorders are associated with several work-related outcomes such as loss of income. However, studies investigating the effect of mental disorders on work-related income by migrant background are lacking. This study aimed to assess the change in work-related income following the uptake of outpatient mental healthcare (OPMH) treatment, a proxy for mental disorder, in young women with migrant background. Additionally, we looked at how this varied by income level.Methods: This study makes use of data from several national registries. The study population consisted of women aged 23-40 years residing in Norway for at least three consecutive years between 2006 and 2013 (N=640,527). By using a stratified linear regression with individual fixed effects, we investigated differences between the majority women, descendants and eight migrant groups. Interaction analysis was conducted in order to examine the differences in income loss following the uptake of OPMH treatment among women with and without migrant background. Results: Results show that OPMH treatment was associated with a decrease in income for all groups. However, the negative effect was stronger among those with low income. Only migrant women from EU Eastern Europe with a high income were not significantly affected following OPMH treatment. Conclusions: Experiencing a mental disorder during a critical age for establishment in the labour market may not only affect income but also subsequent workforce participation and dependency on social welfare services, regardless of migrant background, resulting in large economic costs for both the individual and for the society as a whole.