Ulster University

Academic Institute

Economic and Social Research Council

Yes

260

The proposed study is aligned with the ongoing ADR ‘OCCUMEN Study’ which examines the prevalence and correlates of mental disorders (MDs) across occupational categories. This related study will examine sex-specific temporal trends in mental disorders and causes of death across occupation types before and following the onset of the Covid-19 (C-19) pandemic and examine associations with family responsibilities. Aim: We will examine the C-19 mental health impact on people within specific occupational groups, with a focus on (1) changes in the prevalence and patterns of MDs in the general working population in relation to sociodemographic and socioeconomic circumstances; and (2) mental health among potentially high-risk occupational groups (health and social care staff for example) and their association with family responsibilities. The study will address the following key research questions: 1. What are the trends in the prevalence of MD among the NI working population in the years prior to and following the onset of the C-19 pandemic? How does this compare to rates among the general population? 2. Which occupation types indicate greater risk of deteriorating mental health during the pandemic period? 3. Have health care staff and other key occupational groups been more adversely affected in terms of their mental health than other workers, during the pandemic period? 4. What are the temporal trends in MD relating to the interaction of family responsibilities with occupation types in the years prior to and following the onset of the pandemic? 5. What is the relationship between mortality (all cause and cause-specific) and occupation type and is this association modified by MD?

A Deloitte Report (2017) suggests that workplace mental health is at ‘tipping point’, with increased public awareness, political interest and resultant emphasis on employer responsibilities to promote wellbeing at work. The UK faced a major mental health at work challenge, with one in six workers (5 million) suffering from mental health conditions in a given year. A Mental Health Foundation report (2016) estimated that £25 billion was forgone in value added to the UK economy due to people with mental health problems not being able to go to work, sick days and reduced productivity among those with mental health conditions. The subsequent 2020/2021 global Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly compounded this mental health at work challenge. In April 2020, Holmes and colleagues published a ‘call for action for mental health sciences’, highlighting the urgent need for research to address how the mental health consequences of the pandemic can be mitigated. There has been a concerted effort from the research community during the pandemic, with the development of many studies, including longitudinal and representative studies of the UK population such as the UK Household Longitudinal Study (UKHLS) Covid-19 study (University of Essex, Institute for Social and Economic Research. (2020).). Administrative data research will complement this ongoing work. Given the large sample size, detailed information on occupation types and other individual and family characteristics, this study will allow an in-depth examination of temporal patterns in MD and the impact of the pandemic across occupation types including the interaction of family demands, that other surveys do not afford. Evidence from the proposed study can be used alongside emergent evidence from other sources to collectively inform the development of health and social care policies to help support and improve public mental health, including the development of occupation specific mental health at work plans.

13/08/2021

TRE