Study of the association between labour discrimination, health and use of health services in Andalucía: An application of propensity score matching with small samples

Abstract

The present study aims to explore the association between employment discrimination and health in Andalusia (Spain). This study is based on a sample of 1200 individuals. The employment discrimination indicator was designed is through the results of an open-ended question that refers to other types of discrimination. Although the category 'employment discrimination' were not initially included in the questionnaire, 65% of participants perceived themselves as subject to employment discrimination while only 35% reported other usual causes of discrimination. Employment discrimination has been found similarly associated to poor health outcomes. Propensity scores show people reporting employment discrimination present a higher use of primary health services, a result that might be related with the higher prevalence of depressive disorders of socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. Although additional research is needed, the future orientation of EU social and health policies should aim to reduce the social impact of unemployment and insecure jobs in order to reduce discrimination and promote health equity.