Differentiating health statuses using positive health indicators in an occupational context

ObjectivesTo identify different health statuses beyond the dichotomy of ‘health’ vs ‘illness’. To achieve this, positive indicators based on current scientific definitions and concepts were constructed.Study designData were collected between 2008 and 2010 in a nationwide representative cross-sectional survey.MethodsData for approximately 11,800 wage or salary earners were analysed. Health statuses were modelled using hierarchical cluster analysis, and the relationships between clusters and working conditions were tested using discriminant analyses.ResultsAccording to response patterns in the various health dimensions, four health statuses were found: individuals who were holistically healthy; individuals with multiple health impairments; individuals with stagnating potential for development; and individuals with higher tendency to wear out.ConclusionsThe use of positive health concepts enables better differentiation of health statuses. Under existing working conditions, it is possible to identify group-specific needs for the working population, and to derive appropriate measures as part of workplace health promotion.