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Perceived discrimination against diabetics in the workplace and in work-related insurances in Switzerland

Nebiker-Pedrotti, Piera M. and Keller, Ulrich and Iselin, Hans-Ulrich and Ruiz, Juan and Pärli, Kurt and Caplazi, Alexandra and Puder, Jardena J.. (2009) Perceived discrimination against diabetics in the workplace and in work-related insurances in Switzerland. Swiss Medical Weekly, 139 (7-8). pp. 103-109.

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of perceived diabetes-related discrimination in the workplace and in work-related insurances in persons with diabetes mellitus in Switzerland.
METHODS: 509 insulin-treated diabetic subjects representative of the northwestern Swiss population responded to a self-report questionnaire on perceived diabetes-related discrimination in the workplace and in work-related insurances (salary loss insurance, supplementary occupational plan). Discrimination was defined as being treated differently at least once in relation to diabetes.
RESULTS: The reported rates of different aspects of discrimination in the workplace and in work-related insurances ranged between 5-11% and 4-15% respectively. Risk factors that independently increased the risk of not being hired due to diabetes were the presence of at least two severe hypoglycaemic events/year and relevant diabetic complications (OR 5.6 and OR 2.6 respectively; both>0.05). The presence of at least two severe hypoglycaemic events/year was also associated with an increased risk of losing one's job (OR 6.5, >0.01). Overweight or obesity were related to increased discrimination in work-related insurances (OR for denial 2.1-2.4; OR for reserve 3.9-4.4; all>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Perceived diabetes-related discrimination in the workplace and by work-related insurances is a common problem. In the light of our findings the introduction of effective non-discrimination legislation for patients with chronic illnesses appears to be desirable.
Faculties and Departments:03 Faculty of Medicine > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Ehemalige Einheiten Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Klinische Endokrinologie (Keller)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Klinische Forschung > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Ehemalige Einheiten Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Klinische Endokrinologie (Keller)
03 Faculty of Medicine > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Endokrinologie / Diabetologie
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Klinische Forschung > Bereich Medizinische Fächer (Klinik) > Endokrinologie / Diabetologie
03 Faculty of Medicine > Departement Biomedizin > Former Units at DBM > Metabolism (Keller/Müller)
UniBasel Contributors:Puder, Jardena and Keller, Ulrich O.
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:EMH
ISSN:1424-7860
e-ISSN:1424-3997
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
Language:English
Identification Number:
edoc DOI:
Last Modified:04 Mar 2020 15:21
Deposited On:24 May 2013 09:01

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