Different clues to the health of women and men

However, the most important predictor of health among men is their ability to manage the demands of their working life.

Having energy left over for domestic chores and leisure activities after work influences women's subjective health in a positive way. Furthermore, good subjective health among women is influenced by their experience of meaningfulness both at work, and in activities outside work. However, having time and energy to manage the demands of their working life is the most important factor influencing men's subjective health.

Whether women have time and energy to manage the combined demands of their career and their domestic chores influences their attendance at work, whereas it is the stress of their career which actually influences men's attendance. The results are based on a survey of 2,683 women and men in a working population in Sweden, who participated in a postal survey by responding to questions twice, with a two-year interval.

“Women who are not able to meet the demands of their working life and private life perceive themselves as being stressed, which may lead to sick leave, while men's health is mainly influenced by their working life” (statement made by Håkansson).

The study shows that different strategies are needed to promote health and increase employment among women and men.

Read more about Carita Håkansson's research www.hhj.hj.se/doc/8823

Press image on www.hj.se/eng/press.

The School of Health Sciences is one of four schools within Jönköping University. The School is one of Sweden's leading educators in health, care and social work. Research is conducted within three research areas: Ageing – Living Conditions and Health; Quality Improvements, Innovations and Leadership; and CHILD. The School of Health Sciences has some 2,000 registered students, some 160 employees and a turnover of approximately SEK 165 millions.

For further information, please contact:
Carita Håkansson, mobile: +46 (0)702 10 81 53