Temporary Disabilities Due to Mental Health Problems in a Sample of Spanish Employees (2018-2022): Prevalence, Duration, and Economic Impact.

Abstract

To examine the prevalence, duration, and economic impact of mental health-related work absences using Ibermutua insurance data (2018 to 2022) in Spain, analyzing relationships between individual/occupational factors and prevalent mental health conditions. This was an analysis of 48,025 temporary disability cases from Ibermutua's database. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, χ2 tests, and cost calculations for economic impact assessment. Most prevalent conditions were anxiety (50.34%), stress-related disorders (18.43%), and major depression (10.53%). Women showed higher prevalence. Age positively correlated with absence duration, with those in the >60-year age group experiencing longest absences. Average duration was 154 days, with total economic impact of €212,541,101.75. Significant differences emerged across age, salary, contract type, occupation, and economic sector. Findings underscore substantial burden on Spanish workforce, emphasizing need for targeted interventions and comprehensive prevention strategies based on the Job Demands-Resources Model.