Employment status, employment characteristics, and women's health.

This study looked at characteristics of employment which are related to positive health among women. Aspects of employment which may account for health status differences between employed women and those not in the labor force were also studied. The subjects were 1140 adult females, aged 18 through 64. Medical record data covering seven years of inpatient and outpatient services were linked with survey data of the respondents. For all ages, women employed in jobs with a higher degree of social support and integration had better health than women in jobs with little social support and integration through work. The findings suggest that the social support and integration gained through work is a salient aspect of employment which contributes to health status differences between employed women and those not participating in the labor force.