Depression Amidst Employment Change in South Africa: A longitudinal study

Marifa Muchemwa, University of Limpopo
Tholene Sodi, University of Limpopo

Depression is a growing public health concern in South Africa as the nation faces high unemployment. This study examines the association between changes in employment status and levels of depression in South Africa. Using longitudinal data from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) Waves 1-5 (2008-2017), we assess how transitions in employment—such as moving from employed to unemployed, unemployed to employed, unemployed to unemployed affect individuals' mental health. The study used random effects ordered logistic regression model to examine the impact of these employment transitions on varying levels of depression. Results indicate that individuals who transitioned from employment to unemployment were 24.9% more likely to report higher levels of depression compared to those who remained continuously employed (OR = 1.249, p = 0.011). Those who were continuously unemployed were 18.1% more likely to report higher depression levels compared to continuously employed individuals (OR = 1.181, p = 0.006). Conversely, individuals who transitioned from unemployment to employment did not show a significant difference in depression levels (OR = 0.979, p = 0.801). These results indicate the mental health risks associated with unemployment in South Africa, informing policies aimed at addressing the mental health effects of labour market fluctuations.

Keywords: Human Capital, Education, and Work, Health and Morbidity, Economic Demography

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