Background Occupational mobility at various stages in the life course may have a cumulative
impact on health outcomes and trajectory. This study aims to (1) systematically review
empirical evidence regarding the impact of intergenerational and intra-generational
occupational mobility on chronic health conditions in middle and later life; and (2)
assess the collective evidence on the health consequences of different types of occupational
mobility. Method A systematic review of literature was carried out by searching three
databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX) and the reference lists. Eligible studies
examined the impact of occupational mobility on at least one chronic health condition
among adults aged 35 years or above. The quality of each included study was assessed
by standardized tools. Results Out of 170 identified publications, 16 studies based
on 12 independent data sets met the inclusion criteria. There is moderately strong
evidence that downward intergenerational occupational mobility and stable low occupational
status across generations were associated with worse chronic health conditions. The
relationships to chronic health conditions were more pronounced for intergenerational
occupational mobility than for intra-generational occupational mobility. Gender differences
were observed in the relationship between occupational mobility and health. Conclusion
Career advancement interventions should target both the career starters and older
employees. More generous unemployment insurance systems are suggested in less egalitarian
countries, especially during economic recession periods. Future studies of occupational
mobility should give more attention to women and people from developing and Eastern
countries.
