Labour market trajectories and health in Catalan youth

Abstract

Abstract Background Difficulties with integration and job insecurity are currently a characteristic of youth labour market trajectories (YLMT), which have been associated with negative health impacts. This study sheds light on the relationship between YLMT and current health outcomes. Methods The study has a mixed methods sequential exploratory design, focusing on young people aged 25-34 in Catalonia, Spain. In the quantitative phase, longitudinal retrospective data from the Survey to the Catalan Youth 2017 SYC-2017 (n = 1247) was used to obtain a typology of YLMT by clustering techniques. Then, the association between such career paths and health outcomes was tested. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted to a sample (n = 12) of SCY-2017 participants, structured according to the typology, sex and rural/urban criteria. Transcriptions were analyzed by mixed generation of categories. Results Three types of YLMT were obtained: permanent (PT), temporary (TT) and discontinuous (DT). Compared to PT, TT(p < 0.01) and DT (p < 0.001) were found to be a significant risk factor for self-perceived poor health. Similarly, DT were found to be a risk factor for life dissatisfaction (p < 0.05). Trajectory type is not associated with smoking, however, alcohol (p < 0.05), cannabis(p < 0.05), cocaine (p < 0.05) and overall consumption (p < 0.05) are associated with DT. In the qualitative phase, material deprivation, hazardous working conditions, future unpredictability and the prolonged experience of unemployment, powerlessness and insecurity were identified as key explanatory mechanisms of the YLMT health relation. Conclusions YLMT has an impact on different health outcomes and quality of life through numerous causal paths and mechanisms related to the objective and subjective experience of insecurity. The precarisation of the labour market and the lack of decent employment opportunities for the young should be addressed as a primary public health concern. Key messages This study highlights the impact of labor market precariousness on the mental and physical health of Catalan youth as a public health concern. Three broad causal pathways have been identified: material deprivation, the ability to act as an organization in the construction of horizons and exposure to physical and psychosocial risks at work.