Comparing predictors of part-time and no vocational engagement in youth primary mental health services: A brief report

Early Interv Psychiatry. 2018 Aug;12(4):726-729. doi: 10.1111/eip.12445. Epub 2017 May 19.

Abstract

Aim: This investigation aims to identify if correlates of not working or studying were also correlated with part-time vocational participation.

Methods: Demographic and vocational engagement information was collected from 226 participant clinical charts aged 15 to 25 years accessing a primary youth health clinic. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to examine potential correlates no and part-time vocational engagement compared to those full-time.

Results: A total of 33% were not working or studying and 19% were part-time. Not working or studying was associated with secondary school dropout and a history of drug use. These associations were not observed in those participating part-time.

Conclusions: This result suggests that the markers of disadvantage observed in those not working or studying do not carry over to those who are part-time. Potentially, those who are part-time are less vulnerable to long-term disadvantage compared to their unemployed counterparts as they do not share the same indicators of disadvantage.

Keywords: NEET; education; employment; help-seeking; underutilized; youth.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Employment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult