Employment Status Of Adults Research Articles

Education and employment status of adults with autism spectrum disorders in Germany \u2013 a cross-sectional-survey

BackgroundAdults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) experience challenges in participating in the labour market and struggle to achieve and maintain appropriate professional positions, possibly due to impairments of communication and social interaction. Studies have shown high rates of unemployment as well as evidence of inadequate employment. As knowledge on the participation in the German labour market is scarce, the aim of our study was to examine employment status, type of occupation and inadequate employment in a sample of clinically mostly late-diagnosed and most likely not intellectually disabled adults with ASD in Germany.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional-survey in clinically mostly late-diagnosed adults with ASD. Employment status, type of occupation, and the level of formal education and training were examined through a postal questionnaire. Inadequate employment regarding participants’ current and longest practised occupation was assessed by transforming participants’ information into skill levels of the “Classification of Occupations 2010” of the German Federal Employment Agency, and comparing these with participants’ level of formal education and training.ResultsThe response rate was 43.2% (N = 185 of N = 428 potential participants). 94.6% were first-time diagnosed when being 18 years of age or older. 56.8% held a general university entrance-level qualification and 24.9% had obtained a Masters’ or diploma degree as their highest vocational qualification. 94.1% had been employed at some time. Of these, 68.4% reported being currently employed, 13.5% being currently unemployed and 17.0% being retired for health reasons. Regarding the longest-practised and the current occupation, the highest proportion of participants was found in the occupational area “health and social sector, teaching and education” (22.4% and 23.3%, respectively). With respect to inadequate employment, 22.1% were found to be overeducated in relation to their longest-practised occupation and 31.3% in relation to their current occupation. This is significantly higher than the percentage of overeducation in the general population.ConclusionsDespite largely high formal qualifications, the clinically mostly late-diagnosed adults with ASD represented in our sample are disadvantaged regarding their participation in the German labour market, especially with respect to rates of unemployment, early retirement and overeducation. Employment support programs should be developed to improve employment outcomes.

Educational level and employment status in adults with congenital heart disease.

Data were acquired from an online survey carried out in 2015 by the German National Register for Congenital Heart Defects. A total of 1458 adults with CHD participated in the survey (response rate: 37.6%). For 1198 participants, detailed medical information, such as main cardiac diagnosis and information from medical reports, was available. Of the participants surveyed (n=1198), 54.5% (n=653) were female, and the mean age was 30 years. The majority of respondents (59.4%) stated that they had high education levels and that they were currently employed (51.1%). Patients with simple CHD had significantly higher levels of education (p<0.001) and were more likely to be employed (p=0.01) than were patients with complex CHD. More than half of the participants had high education levels and the majority were employed. The association between CHD and its severity and individuals' educational attainment should be investigated more closely in future studies.

Is employment status in adults over 25years old associated with nonmedical prescription opioid and stimulant use?

Nonmedical use of prescription opioid and stimulants (NMUPO and NMUPS, respectively) has declined in recent years, but remains an important public health problem. Evidence regarding their relationships with employment status remains unclear. We determined the relationship between employment status and NMUPO and NMUPS. We analyzed a cross-sectional, nationally representative, weighted sample of 58,486 adults, ages 26years and older, using combined 2011-2013 data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). We fit two crude and two adjusted multivariable logistic regression models to assess the relationship between our two different outcomes of interest: (1) past-year NMUPO and (2) past-year NMUPS, and our exposure of interest: employment status, categorized as (1) full time, (2) part time, (3) unemployed, and (4) not in the workforce. Our adjusted models featured the following covariates: sex, race, age, marital status, and psychological distress, and other nonmedical use. Prevalence of NMUPO was higher than NMUPS (3.48 vs. 0.72%). Unemployed participants had the highest odds of NMUPO [aOR 1.45, 95% CI (1.15-1.82)], while those not in the workforce had the highest odds of NMUPS [aOR 1.71, 95% CI (1.22-2.37)]. Additionally, part-time and unemployed individuals had increased odds of NMUPS [aORs, 95% CI 1.59 (1.09-2.31) and 1.67 (1.11-2.37) respectively], while those not in the workforce had decreased odds of NMUPO [aOR 0.82, 95% CI (0.68-0.99)] relative to full-time participants. There is a need for adult prevention and deterrence programs that target nonmedical prescription drug use, especially among those unemployed or not in the workforce.

Employment in adults with cystic fibrosis

Chronic ill-health may significantly impact on an individual's ability to work. This not only relates to disease severity but also to psychosocial factors such as illness perception and coping strategies. To explore the factors associated with employment status in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Subjects recruited from adult CF clinics in Aberdeen, Birmingham and Newcastle completed questionnaires assessing health-related quality of life (HRQoL), workplace productivity (presenteeism) and employment. Clinical data indicative of disease severity were also recorded. A total of 254 subjects were recruited, 41 from Aberdeen, 63 from Birmingham and 150 from Newcastle. Sixty-five per cent of subjects were in employment or education. If employed/self-employed, median hours worked was 37.3h/week. Forty per cent reported stopping a job due to CF; 47% felt CF had affected career choice and 24% changed duties because of CF. Ten per cent had taken a pay cut and 23% reported workplace discrimination due to CF. Multivariate modelling demonstrated that employment status was independently associated with educational attainment, centre and the HRQoL domains of role and health perception and is independent of clinical parameters of disease severity. Adults with CF reported that CF impacted on their ability to work. Employment appeared to be most strongly associated with educational attainment, locality and HRQoL domains and not clinical parameters of severity. Specific guidance is needed for both adults with CF and potential employers, with appropriate targeted interventions aimed at improving health perceptions and coping strategies.

Self-reported mood, general health, wellbeing and employment status in adults with suspected DCD

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) affects around 2-6% of the population and is diagnosed on the basis of poor motor coordination in the absence of other neurological disorders. Its psychosocial impact has been delineated in childhood but until recently there has been little understanding of the implications of the disorder beyond this. This study aims to focus on the longer term impact of having DCD in adulthood and, in particular, considers the effect of employment on this group in relation to psychosocial health and wellbeing. Self-reported levels of life satisfaction, general health and symptoms of anxiety and depression were investigated in a group of adults with a diagnosis of DCD and those with suspected DCD using a number of published self-report questionnaire measures. A comparison between those in and out of employment was undertaken. As a group, the unemployed adults with DCD reported significantly lower levels of life satisfaction. Whilst there was no significant difference between those who were employed and unemployed on General Health Questionnaire scores; both groups reported numbers of health related issues reflective of general health problems in DCD irrespective of employment status. While both groups reported high levels of depressive symptoms and rated their satisfaction with life quite poorly, the unemployed group reported significantly more depressive symptoms and less satisfaction. Additionally, the results identified high levels of self-reported anxiety in both groups, with the majority sitting outside of the normal range using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. These findings add to the small but increasing body of literature on physical and mental health and wellbeing in adults with DCD. Furthermore, they are the first to provide insight into the possible mediating effects of employment status in adults with DCD.

Non-Market Time and Household Well-Being

A distinguishing feature among households is whether adult members work or not, since the employment status affects a household's available time for home activities. Using a survey method in two countries, Belgium and Germany, we provide household incomes that retain the level of well-being across different family types, distinguished by family size and employment status of adults. Our tests support that specialization in home production and childcare-time costs are important determinants of household well-being. Estimates of child costs relative to an adult are higher for households that are time-constrained (all adults in the household work), and also higher for poorer households.

Functional Limitations, Physical Disability and Social Competence among HCT Survivors Transplanted during Childhood or Adolescence: A Report from the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor Study.

HCT may result in a number of important disease- and treatment-related late effects, including limitations in functional abilities. This study estimated physical, emotional and educational limitations (i.e. functional limitations) and restrictions in ability to perform personal care or routine daily activities (i.e. physical disability), as well as marital status, employment status in adults, and ability to interact with peers, teachers, and family members (social competence) in children. Subjects included 235 persons who had received an HCT for a malignancy or a hematological disorder before age 21 years and survived at least 2 years post-transplant. For comparison purposes, 705 siblings of cancer survivors were recruited and frequency matched on age, sex and ethnicity. Medical data were abstracted, and subjects or their parents (if <18 years old at survey completion) completed a 24-page mailed questionnaire that included items on medical late effects, current functional limitations, current physical disability, marital status, employment status, educational attainment and social competence. The Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) was included on the adult version of the questionnaire to evaluate emotional status. A modified version of the Child Behavior Checklist was included on the child version of the questionnaire to evaluate emotional status and social competence. Median age at HCT was 9.8 years, at time of survey completion was 21.8 years, and the median length of follow-up was 10.7 years. Compared with siblings, adult survivors were more likely to report functional limitations in physical (Prevalence Odds Ratio (OR)=2.2; 95% CI 1.9–8.2) and emotional domains (OR=2.9; 95% CI 1.4–5.8), and to report physical disability (OR=3.9; 95% CI 1.9–8.2). Adult survivors were also less likely than siblings to be employed (OR=25.0; 95% CI 10.0–100.0) or married/living as married (OR=2.5; 95% CI 1.7–5.0). Child survivors were more likely than siblings to have participated in special education (OR=3.0; 95% CI 1.5–6.0), to report physical disability (OR=10.8; 95% CI 2.2–53.9), and to have behaviors indicating impaired social competence (OR=2.0; 95% CI 0.9–4.2). The outcome percentages are shown in the table. This study demonstrated that long-term survivors of HCT performed during childhood or adolescence were more likely than a matched sibling comparison group to have functional limitations that impact performance in routine daily activities and interpersonal relationships. Surveillance and long-term follow-up of HCT treated individuals should include monitoring for functional loss and referral for appropriate intervention.Limitations in Childhood HCT Survivors - Comparison with SiblingsSurvivors [N(%)]Siblings [N(%)]Children (<18 at study: Survivors: n=78; Siblings: n=234)Physical Disability7 (9.0)2 (0.8)Impaired Social Competence13 (16.7)21 (9.0)Adults (18–50 at study: Survivors: n=157; Siblings: n=471Physical disability17 (10.8)14 (3.0)Currently not employed18–24 year-olds31 (40.8)5 (2.3)20–50 year olds23 (28.4)4 (1.6)Not married or living with a partner18–24 year olds68 (89.5)168 (75.7)20–50 year olds47 (61.8)84 (33.7)

Employment and social issues in adults with cerebral palsy

Objective: To assess the social and employment status of adults with cerebral palsy.Design: Detailed medical history, physical examination, and functional rating in the PULTIBEC system were performed on all study participants; they also responded to a standardized social adaptation questionnaire.Setting: Outpatient clinic.Subjects: Volunteer participants (n = 101), all with cerebral palsy, between the ages of 27 and 74 years, living independently in the community.Results: More than 80% wished that their physician knew more about cerebral palsy. The majority (84%) felt their parents overprotected them in childhood. More than 90% desired more sexual education. More than half (67%) lived independently, 34% with and 33% without attendant. Of the 53% who were competitively employed, 22% earned an income high enough that advancement wouldcause financial loss through termination of disability benefits. Speech deficits severely compromised functional verbal communication in 50%. Type of employment correlated more with adequate cognition than with physical or communicative impairments.Conclusions: Compared with eather studies, the present study showed more adults with cerebral palsy achieving competitive employment and independent living, despite moderate to severe physical disability. Advances in rehabiliation technology, better home support services, and legal mandates in education and environmental access may have facilitated positive change for persons with cerebral palsy. Further studies are encouraged with emphasis on loggitudinal designs.

Learning disabilities, literacy, and adult education

This book focuses on adults with severe learning disabilities (LD) and the educators who work with them. Experts in the fields of LD and adult literacy describe the characteristics, demographics, and education and employment status of adults with LD and discuss the laws that protect them in the workplace and in education settings. Combining cutting-edge research with instructional expertise, the authors examine screening procedures used to identify adults with LD, present a range of instructional strategies and staff development programs for teaching literacy skills to adults, and showcase exemplary programs that assist adults with LD in finding the right job. Sample forms, checklists, resource lists, and examples from successful staff preparation programs make this book a practical resource for educators, reading and learning disability specialists, literacy professionals, and administrators.

Health, Functional Status, and Employment of Adult Survivors of Bone Marrow Transplantation

To determine the health, functional ability, and employment status of adults who survive bone marrow transplantation. Inception cohort study. Patients who received transplants at a single referral-based center. Adults of 18 years of age or older who had received bone marrow transplants at least 6 months previously and who were not in a life-threatening relapse were surveyed a mean of 47 months after transplant (median, 37 months; range, 6 to 149 months). Of 171 eligible patients, 157 were contacted and 135 (86%) responded. Patients completed a mailed survey. Medical records were also reviewed. Most patients (93%) reported they could do normal activities with minor or no physical problems (Karnofsky scores, greater than or equal to 80%). Global health was described as good to excellent by 67% of subjects. Most perceived social activities (80%) or physical functional abilities (67%) to be unimpaired or only slightly affected. Moderate or severe pain was uncommon (13%). Sixty-five percent had returned to full- or part-time employment, and one third of those who were not employed were attending school. Job discrimination and problems in obtaining insurance were reported by 23% and 39%, respectively. Among those who had been employed before illness, loss of employment was associated with lower social functioning, chronic graft-versus-host disease, greater job discrimination, and female gender using multivariate logistic regression. Most subjects surviving bone marrow transplant reported good to excellent health and functional ability. Three fourths were employed or enrolled in school. These outcomes are comparable to outcomes in survivors of cancer who received less intensive treatments.

Education and career preparation for youth with disabilities

Questions about the nature and adequacy of career preparation for youth with disabilities are especially salient today because the developments from research and demonstration efforts have dramatically altered the expectations for their employability. In sharp contrast to the isolated demonstrations of success stand the data on the employment status of adults with disability. Between 50 and 80% of working-age adults who report a disability are jobless (1,2). Although the normal methods of data collection probably result in undercounting employed persons with disabilities (3), similarly high rates of joblessness have been reported in follow-up studies of recent special-education graduates (4,5). Recent data also indicate that individuals served by publicly supported day or vocational services typically receive low wages, make slow progress toward employment, and are segregated from their nondisabled peers (6,7). High schools and adult services are confronting a changing population. Those adolescents with handicaps now in high schools constitute the first cohort of students who have enjoyed the benefits of the right to legislation. A conservative estimate is that these students have had at least seven years of the free public education guaranteed by P.L.

On-the-Job learning

I n the 1980s, youth unemployment and discontent with schooling persist as problems facing educators. Numerous programs and recommendations to create school-based, work-experience programs have attempted to address these problems. The report of the Panel on Youth of the President's Science Advisory Committee advocated a closer union of school and community by creating more opportunities for youth to participate in the life of the community. The report of the Carnegie Council on Policy Studies in Higher Education cited a number of reform proposals calling for less schooling and more work experiences for youth. The Youth Employment Demonstration Projects Act of 1977 encouraged local education agencies to place school-age, low-income youth in jobs. These programs hoped to impact upon the future employability of youth, to make schooling more relevant and interesting to them, and thereby to ease the transition from school to work. While adult employment status is the decisive measurement of program success, such a long-term outcome is expensive to document and difficult to assess. Other indicators of program effectiveness are needed for immediate evaluations of current and proposed programs to provide federal, state, and local policy makers with guidelines for decision making. Analytic principles from the curriculum field can serve as one source for indicators of current program effectiveness. These principles of curricular form and content embody both empirical and theoretical knowledge of human learning. Although they have usually been applied to classroom instructional programs, they can provide criteria for evaluating the quality of work experience programs. In order to analyze such programs for policy purposes, one needs to assess the quality of the day-to-day activities that youth encounter, because it is the cumulative effect of these activities over time that offers hope of easing unemployment and reducing inequality. Program planners and proposal reviewers could make use of these principles to evaluate the probable effectiveness of programs in the planning stages. As programs are implemented, these principles can help local program personnel make further choices when faced with reality constraints. A work-experience curriculum is a set of learning activities centered around the work experience. Part of the task of this study is to generate activity categories that describe what youth do in the programs. This definition stresses that the activities should have some relationship to learning. In The Boundless Resource, W. Wirtz emphasized that the learning should have an application beyond particular job tasks, to life in general: