Exploring the correlates of mental healthcare approaches and employment status among persons with depression and anxiety: A secondary data analysis of a global survey

Background: Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent among working age population, and these conditions have been associated with employment disadvantages. Global understanding of correlates of employment status of persons living with anxiety and depression is necessary to develop and implement policies and interventions to promote better employment outcomes. We aimed to investigate the association between sociodemographic factors, mental healthcare approaches and employment status among persons who experience anxiety and depression. Method: We used data from the 2020 Wellcome Global Monitor survey to explore the correlates of employment status among persons with Depression and Anxiety globally. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and Chi square test were conducted to evaluate the relationships between socio-demographic factors, mental healthcare approach such as self-management, professional care, religious and social support on employment status of people with anxiety and depression. Findings: Employment status significantly varied by socio-demographic factors, per capita income of countries, and the type of mental health care approach they used to alleviate anxiety and depression. Older participants, those with college degrees, those who talked to mental health professionals, those who improved on their healthy lifestyle behaviors, those who made a change to their work situation, spent time in nature or outdoors when anxious/ depressed were more likely to be employed as compared to those who did not use approaches. Interpretation: Our findings highlight important connections between mental healthcare and employment, prioritizing these connections in policies and intervention can help curb the economic and personal burden of anxiety and depression.