Examining the employment related factors among persons with mental illness: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Chennai, South India

Asian J Psychiatr. 2025 Apr 18;108:104495. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2025.104495. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

From the Indian settings, there is a critical gap in understanding and addressing the significant unemployment rates among Persons with Mental Illness (PwMI). This survey aimed to explore the employment landscape of PwMI in Chennai, South India, focusing on employment outcomes, challenges, and the need for supported employment programs. We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire, among PwMI attending the out-patient department of a tertiary mental health center in Chennai between January 2023 to March 2023. We recruited a total of 434 participants for the study of which 174 (40.1 %) participants were unemployed and 260 (59.9 %) participants were employed during the survey. We observed that 71.3 % of the unemployed and 37 % of the employed participants actively sought new job opportunities, revealing a high demand for employment and job support. We found significant associations between employment status and socio-demographic factors such as gender, education, and marital status among the study participants. Our results also affirm PwMI can secure and sustain employment. There is a need for comprehensive support systems to address job dissatisfaction, workplace accommodations, and career advancement.

PMID:40267522 | DOI:10.1016/j.ajp.2025.104495