Abstract
The implementation of last-minute work scheduling practices, including fluctuations in work hours, shift cancellations, and short notice, reflects a new norm in employment in the United States. This study aimed to investigate whether work schedule notice of ≤2 weeks was associated with high depressive symptoms. We used data from the 2019 cycle of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (N = 4963 adults aged 37–42 years). Using adjusted gender-stratified modified Poisson models, we tested the association between schedule notice (≤2 weeks, >2 weeks, consistent scheduling) and high depressive symptoms. Presence of high depressive symptoms was assessed using the 7-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Short-Form scale and defined as CES-D-SF ≥8. Respondents reporting >2 weeks schedule notice (versus ≤2 weeks) were disproportionately non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic and resided in the South and/or in a rural area. High depressive symptoms were 39% more prevalent among women with schedule notice of ≤2 weeks compared to those with >2 weeks notice (Prevalence Ratio [PR]: 1.39, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.07, 1.80). We did not observe an association among men (PR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.75, 1.50). Schedule notice of ≤2 weeks was associated with a greater burden of high depressive symptoms among US women. Policies to reduce precarious work scheduling practices should be further evaluated for their impacts on mental health.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 101413 |
Journal | SSM - Population Health |
Volume | 22 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2023 |
Keywords
- Center for epidemiologic studies depression scale
- Mental health
- National longitudinal survey of youth
- Precarious employment
- Secure scheduling
- Work hours
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Health Policy
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health