Do long work hours impede the ability of workers to obtain preventive health care services?

Background and Objectives: American adults receive only about half of the recommended preventive health services, such as flu shots and mammograms. There are various barriers to receiving routine preventive care, including lack of insurance coverage and transportation difficulties. Previous research suggests that working long hours might also interfere with workers' ability to receive care. This study aims to analyze the association between long working hours and workers' ability to obtain needed services. Method: Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used to measure employees' weekly work hours and their use of recommended preventive health services: annual routine check-up, annual flu vaccination, biannual dental check-up, and (for women), a biannual mammogram. Logistic regression analyses were performed testing whether working long hours is associated with not obtaining each of the four services, after controlling for insurance status and other factors. Results: Preliminary results indicate that working more than 60 hours/week is associated with a 26% increased risk of not obtaining a biannual dental check-up. There is a 99% increased risk that a woman will not receive a biannual mammogram if working more than 60 hours/week. The association between working more than 60 hours/week and failing to obtain a flu vaccination or routine annual check-up was not significant. Conclusion: The study found that long work hours might be a barrier to accessing particular preventive health services including dental check-ups and mammograms. Employer programs providing preventive services on site might help address some of the existing difficulties faced by people working long-hour schedules.