The precariousness of the work environment is a social determinant of health; research shows that being employed in an unstable manner in early adulthood is associated with an increased risk of mental health problems and higher alcohol consumption (1).

The rise of non-standard forms of work has blurred the boundaries between being employed and unemployed. Jobs without formal contracts tend to be less secure and often come with fewer benefits compared to more traditional forms of employment, such as permanent labor contracts, commonly known in Brazil as CLT (Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho, or Consolidation of Labor Laws). Disadvantages may include lack of contractual security (e.g., temporary employment), low wages, economic difficulties, limited social protection, and reduced workplace rights.

The "emerging adulthood" phase is a particular stage of life that describes the transition from youth to the workforce, which can be considered a challenging and delicate period (2). Young adults, aged between 15 and 29, entering the job market after completing their studies face particular vulnerability due to a lack of professional experience, job opportunities, and social protection in cases of unemployment. Additionally, there is evidence that difficulty in establishing oneself in the job market can result in long-term negative health effects (3).

A Swedish study aimed to analyze whether freelance (self-employed) or informal contract work during early adulthood is related to an increased risk of developing alcohol-related health problems in the long term, such as alcohol-related liver disease, alcohol use disorder, and intoxication. To conduct this analysis, data from national registers in Sweden were used, tracking a large population of young adults over 28 years. The results of this study suggest that being employed as a freelancer or in informal work during "emerging adulthood" is associated with an increased risk of alcohol-related morbidity later in life, especially among young men, but also among young women (4). The reasons for this increased risk may be related to using alcohol as a coping strategy for stress, and this habit may persist when these individuals transition to more stable jobs with greater benefits.

It is important to highlight that in a context where flexible employment forms are becoming increasingly common, understanding the implications of employment type on the health of young people is crucial. Evidence suggests that, in addition to economic effects, this form of work may have significant consequences for mental and physical health. Therefore, it is essential that public policies and interventions are directed not only towards improving working conditions but also towards providing adequate support to these young individuals, preventing future alcohol-related health issues.

References:

1. Benach J, Vives A, Amable M, et al. Precarious employment: understanding an emerging social determinant of health. Annu Rev Public Health 2014;35:229–53. 
2. Thern E, Matilla-Santander N, Hernando-Rodriguez JC, et al. Precarious employment in early adulthood and later mental health problems: a register-linked cohort study. J Epidemiol Community Health 2023;77:755–61.
3. Gray BJ, Grey C, Hookway A, et al. Differences in the impact of precarious employment on health across population subgroups: a scoping review. Perspect Public Health  2021;141:37–49.
4. Thern, E., Elling, D. L., Badarin, K., Hernando Rodríguez, J. C., & Bodin, T. (2024). Precarious employment in young adulthood and later alcohol-related morbidity: a register-based cohort study. Occupational and environmental medicine, 81(4), 201–208.