The association between employment status and QOL among foreign origin populations in Finland

In Finland the employment rate of people with foreign origin backgrounds appear to be 10% lower than in general population (73.7%). Contradictory, higher levels of self-perceived quality of life (QOL) has been reported among the same population. This secondary data analysis aims to examine the association between level of employment and quality of life from the survey on work and well-being among people of foreign origin in Finland (UTH, 2014). Methods People of foreign foreign origin, living in Finland were included in statistical analysis (n = 2,987). Pearson Chi-squared (χ2) and likelihood ratio (LR) testing as well as logistic regression analysis were used to study the association between independent variable 'employment' and the dependent variable of 'quality of life'. Results Employment showed increased odds for 'good' QOL. However, when comparing the two gender groups, the odds of having 'good' QOL in employed men were higher (OR: 2.17 CI 2.11 - 2.24) compared to employed women (OR: 1.50 CI 1.45 - 1.53) respectively. When adjusted for sociodemographic and confounding factors, the levels of strength of the association between employment and quality of life remained. Conclusions Women with foreign origin backgrounds seem not to have equal benefits of employment and/or equal access to labour markets in Finland. Validation about barriers of entering the labour market in Finland are further needed. Policy implications and actions are needed to improve equal access and benefits of employment for better well-being for women with foreign origin backgrounds. Key messages Women with foreign origin backgrounds seem not to have equal benefits of employment and/or equal access to labour markets in Finland. Policy implications and actions are needed to improve equal access and benefits of employment for better well-being for women with foreign origin backgrounds.