Change in Work-Related Income Following the Uptake of Treatment for Mental Disorders Among Young Migrant Women in Norway: A National Register Study
Abstract Purpose Mental disorders are associated with several work-related outcomes such as loss of income. Not much is known about how this varies with migrant background. This study investigated the change in work-related income following the uptake of outpatient mental healthcare (OPMH) treatment, a proxy for mental disorder, in young women with and without migrant background. Additionally, we looked at how the association varied by income levelMethods Using data from four 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 majority women, descendants and eight migrant groups. Interaction analysis was conducted in order to examine differences in income loss following the uptake of OPMH treatment among women with and without migrant background. Results 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. Conclusion 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 society as a whole.