Evaluating the disability employment gap and Its determinants: findings from a population-based cohort study in spinal cord injury
IntroductionThe disability employment gap (DEG) is instrumental in monitoring social progress and employment inequalities. This study evaluated the DEG and its determinants among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland.MethodsEmployment data from three consecutive population-based survey...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1572158/full |
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| author | Mahesh Sarki Urban Schwegler Urban Schwegler George Austin-Cliff George Austin-Cliff Mayra Galvis Aparicio Mayra Galvis Aparicio Christine Reuse Martin W. G. Brinkhof Martin W. G. Brinkhof |
| author_facet | Mahesh Sarki Urban Schwegler Urban Schwegler George Austin-Cliff George Austin-Cliff Mayra Galvis Aparicio Mayra Galvis Aparicio Christine Reuse Martin W. G. Brinkhof Martin W. G. Brinkhof |
| author_sort | Mahesh Sarki |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionThe disability employment gap (DEG) is instrumental in monitoring social progress and employment inequalities. This study evaluated the DEG and its determinants among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland.MethodsEmployment data from three consecutive population-based surveys were analyzed and compared with the general Swiss population, matched according to sex, age, year, and region of residence. Mixed-effects Poisson regression modelling was applied to evaluate the determinants of labor market participation (LMP) and derive marginal predictions for the DEG.ResultsDEGs decreased over calendar time, with individuals with complete tetraplegia exhibiting the most substantial reduction (2012: −37%, 2022: −25%); however, their probability of LMP in 2022 remained 25% lower than those with incomplete paraplegia. The DEG marginally increased among those with the fewest years of education (0–9) (2012: −48.1%, 2022: −49.2%). Regional disparities were also observed.ConclusionsOur findings indicate improved LMP opportunities in the Swiss SCI population, but also highlight the need to promote access to quality employment opportunities, vocational education, and training programs for severely injured individuals with low education. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure equal LMP prospects across Switzerland. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-b63c775bc0054928a8bafbc808e462f3 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2673-6861 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-b63c775bc0054928a8bafbc808e462f32025-08-20T03:14:24ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences2673-68612025-04-01610.3389/fresc.2025.15721581572158Evaluating the disability employment gap and Its determinants: findings from a population-based cohort study in spinal cord injuryMahesh Sarki0Urban Schwegler1Urban Schwegler2George Austin-Cliff3George Austin-Cliff4Mayra Galvis Aparicio5Mayra Galvis Aparicio6Christine Reuse7Martin W. G. Brinkhof8Martin W. G. Brinkhof9Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, SwitzerlandSwiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, SwitzerlandFaculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, SwitzerlandSwiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, SwitzerlandFaculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, SwitzerlandSwiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, SwitzerlandFaculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, SwitzerlandInstitute of Vocational Integration (ParaWork), Swiss Paraplegic Center, Nottwil, SwitzerlandSwiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, SwitzerlandFaculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Lucerne, SwitzerlandIntroductionThe disability employment gap (DEG) is instrumental in monitoring social progress and employment inequalities. This study evaluated the DEG and its determinants among people with spinal cord injury (SCI) in Switzerland.MethodsEmployment data from three consecutive population-based surveys were analyzed and compared with the general Swiss population, matched according to sex, age, year, and region of residence. Mixed-effects Poisson regression modelling was applied to evaluate the determinants of labor market participation (LMP) and derive marginal predictions for the DEG.ResultsDEGs decreased over calendar time, with individuals with complete tetraplegia exhibiting the most substantial reduction (2012: −37%, 2022: −25%); however, their probability of LMP in 2022 remained 25% lower than those with incomplete paraplegia. The DEG marginally increased among those with the fewest years of education (0–9) (2012: −48.1%, 2022: −49.2%). Regional disparities were also observed.ConclusionsOur findings indicate improved LMP opportunities in the Swiss SCI population, but also highlight the need to promote access to quality employment opportunities, vocational education, and training programs for severely injured individuals with low education. Additionally, efforts should be made to ensure equal LMP prospects across Switzerland.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1572158/fulllabor market participationspinal cord injurydisability employment gapgeneral populationlongitudinal |
| spellingShingle | Mahesh Sarki Urban Schwegler Urban Schwegler George Austin-Cliff George Austin-Cliff Mayra Galvis Aparicio Mayra Galvis Aparicio Christine Reuse Martin W. G. Brinkhof Martin W. G. Brinkhof Evaluating the disability employment gap and Its determinants: findings from a population-based cohort study in spinal cord injury Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences labor market participation spinal cord injury disability employment gap general population longitudinal |
| title | Evaluating the disability employment gap and Its determinants: findings from a population-based cohort study in spinal cord injury |
| title_full | Evaluating the disability employment gap and Its determinants: findings from a population-based cohort study in spinal cord injury |
| title_fullStr | Evaluating the disability employment gap and Its determinants: findings from a population-based cohort study in spinal cord injury |
| title_full_unstemmed | Evaluating the disability employment gap and Its determinants: findings from a population-based cohort study in spinal cord injury |
| title_short | Evaluating the disability employment gap and Its determinants: findings from a population-based cohort study in spinal cord injury |
| title_sort | evaluating the disability employment gap and its determinants findings from a population based cohort study in spinal cord injury |
| topic | labor market participation spinal cord injury disability employment gap general population longitudinal |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fresc.2025.1572158/full |
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