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

Abstract

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Objective To examine the prevalence, duration, and economic impact of mental health-related work absences using Ibermutua insurance data (2018-2022) in Spain, analyzing relationships between individual/occupational factors and prevalent mental health conditions.

Method Analysis of 48,025 Temporary Disability cases from Ibermutua's database. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Chi-square tests, and cost calculations for economic impact assessment.

Results 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 60+ 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.

Conclusion Findings underscore substantial burden on Spanish workforce, emphasizing need for targeted interventions and comprehensive prevention strategies based on Job Demands-Resources model.