Increased risk of job strain and mental health among first and second-generation migrants in France

Abstract

Abstract Background Immigrants often have more difficult working conditions than natives in Europe, which could particularly expose them to psychosocial work factors and participate to a deteriorated mental health. This study aims to 1) describe the prevalence of job strain across origin and its determinants in France 2) verify whether the association between job strain and mental health hold across all population groups. Methods We used the national Conditions de travail-Risques Psychosociaux 2016 survey (N = 24, 640) which is representative of the active population in France. Mental health was measured by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-Mini). Among employed persons, we described the prevalence of job strain according to migratory status and by sex. Then we modelled the probability to be exposed to job strain with Poisson regressions. Finally we modelled the probability to have a Generalised Anxiety Disorder in each group of population with Poisson regressions. Results The prevalence of job strain was 44% among first-generation immigrants from Africa and 50% among second-generation immigrants (not EU, not Africa) vs 32% in the non-immigrant population, p < 0.0001)., with differentiated gender patterns. After adjustment on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, women were more likely to be exposed to jobstrain [aIRR=1,30 [1,24;1,37]] as well as second-generation immigrants from Africa (aIRR=1,10 [1,00;1,21]). Job strain was associated with Generalised Anxiety Disorder in all groups of population. Conclusions Immigrants are more exposed to job strain in France and more research is needed to understand this increased risk. Additionally, job strain was associated with anxiety in all immigrant groups and could contribute to immigrants' deteriorated mental health. Key messages First and second generation immigrants are more exposed to job strain than non-immigrants in France. This increased risk is only partially explained by the type of jobs they hold.