Precarious employment and health-related outcomes in the European Union: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the associations between precarious employment and health-related outcomes in salaried workers from 28 countries in Europe (2014). We used data from the Flash Eurobarometer 398 among salaried workers (n = 7,702). We fitted multi-level generalized linear models (GLMM) using the Poisson family and country as the random effect, to calculate the crude (cPR) and adjusted (aPR) prevalence ratios with their 95%CI of health-related outcomes (health problems, sick leave, health and safety risks in the workplace) according to precarious employment. We found significant associations between having a precarious employment and health problems caused or worsened by the work (stress/depression/anxiety, musculoskeletal problems, infectious diseases, respiratory problems, accidents/injuries and allergies), sick leave of more than 15 days [aPR: 1.43, (CI95%: 1.09;1.87)] and exposure to violence or harassment [aPR: 1.82, (CI95%: 1.42;2.34)]. Our study shows an association of precarious employment, understood as a multidimensional construct, and negative health-related outcomes and sick leave of more than 15 days. Therefore, we recommend prioritizing legislative measures for reducing non-standard arrangements and for improving the conditions of workers in non-standard arrangements.