Employment Status and Physician Visits in Finland
Author Information
Author(s): Pekka Virtanen, Mika Kivimäki, Jussi Vahtera, Markku Koskenvuo
Primary Institution: University of Tampere
Hypothesis
This study aims to reveal differences and potential inequalities in physician visits among seven groups in the core-periphery structures of the labour markets.
Conclusion
The use of physician services varies according to labour market status, being relatively low among the non-permanently employed and the unemployed.
Supporting Evidence
- Permanently employed respondents had visited a physician most often.
- Fixed-term employees had significantly lower odds of visiting a physician compared to permanent employees.
- Long-term unemployed individuals had the lowest odds of visiting a physician.
Takeaway
People who have stable jobs visit doctors more often than those who have temporary jobs or are unemployed, which might mean that some people are not getting the health care they need.
Methodology
The study used logistic regression analyses to compare physician visit rates among different employment statuses while controlling for demographics and self-rated health.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from self-reported health status and the exclusion of certain demographic groups.
Limitations
The study may not fully account for all factors influencing health service use, and the sample may not be entirely representative of the Finnish population.
Participant Demographics
Participants included employed individuals with permanent and fixed-term contracts, as well as short-term, prolonged, and long-term unemployed individuals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.25 for long-term unemployed vs. permanent full-time employees
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.14–0.31 for long-term unemployed
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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