Research Database: Article Details
| Citation: | Gao, N.; Eissenstat, S.J.; & Giacobbe, G. (2020). Poor physical health: A major barrier to employment among individuals with serious mental illness. Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, 52 (1), 101-108. |
| Title: | Poor physical health: A major barrier to employment among individuals with serious mental illness |
| Authors: | Gao, N.; Eissenstat, S.J.; & Giacobbe, G. |
| Year: | 2020 |
| Journal/Publication: | Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Publisher: | IOS Press |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.3233/JVR-191063 |
| Full text: | https://content.iospress.com/articles/journal-of-vocational-rehabil... | PDF |
| Peer-reviewed? | Yes |
| NIDILRR-funded? | Yes |
Structured abstract:
| Background: | Physical health conditions are pervasive among individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) living in the community. And many individuals with SMI are unemployed despite their desire to work. |
| Purpose: | This study explored participants’ perceptions of physical and mental health conditions as barriers to employment and the impact of such conditions on job-searching activities. |
| Data collection and analysis: | The participants (n?=?162) reported their mental and physical health status and their employment-related activities and barriers over a 12-month study period. Frequency analysis and Chi-square tests were conducted to examine the relationship between the participants’ perception on physical or mental health conditions as a barrier to employment and their conducted job-related activities. |
| Findings: | More participants reported physical health conditions than mental health conditions as a barrier to job-related activities. Participants’ perception on physical health conditions as a barrier to employment significantly decreased job-related activities, while mental health conditions did not. In addition, more participants reported long-term physical health conditions as a barrier than short-term ones. Participants identified physical problems more frequently than mental health problems for limiting their work or other activities. |
| Conclusions: | Integrating care of physical health conditions in mental health services should be considered for improving employment participation and outcomes. |
| Disabilities served: |
Alcohol and drug abuse Anxiety disorder Bi-polar Chronic mental illness Chronic pain Depression Diabetes Mobility impairment Obesity Obsessive compulsive disorder Personality disorders Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Schizophrenia Multiple disabilities |
| Interventions: |
Supported employment Vocational rehabilitation Customized employment Health and hygiene Transition services |
| Outcomes: |
Employment acquisition Return to work Full-time employment |