Public sector lay-offs in Sweden and the effect on women’s health

Possible changes in the health of women who were laid off from permanent posts in the county council of Varmland are identified. The factors which influence the possible changes in health and well-being induced by the lay-offs are examined. The study is both descriptive in nature and hypothesis-generating. The data were collected by means of a postal questionnaire (response rate of 86%). The study population consists primarily of assistant nurses and nurse aides. The results suggest significant changes in the health of the great majority of women who were laid off. In those cases in which a change has occurred, the change has more often been of a negative rather than a positive nature. The results show that there is a correlation between possible changes in health and the way in which the women have reacted to the lay-offs.