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Abstract Background Despite relatively high rates of Postpartum Depression (PPD), little is known about the granting of social security benefits to women who are disabled as a result of PPD or of other postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD). This study aims to identify populations at risk for underutilization of social security benefits due to PMAD among Israeli women, with a focus on ethnic minorities. Methods This retrospective cohort study is based on the National Insurance Institute (NII) database. The study population included a simple 10% random sample of 79,391 female Israeli citizens who gave birth during 2008–2016 (these women delivered a total of 143,871 infants during the study period), and who had not been eligible for NII mental health disability benefits before 2008. The dependent variable was receipt of Benefit Entitlement (BE) due to mental illness within 2 years following childbirth. Maternal age at delivery, population group, Socio-Economic Status (SES), family status, employment status of the mother and her spouse, and infant mortality were the independent variables. Left truncation COX proportional hazard model with time-dependent variables was used, and birth number served as a time discrete variable. Results Bedouin and Arab women had significantly lower likelihood of BE (2.6 times lower and twice lower) compared with other ethnic groups (HR = 0.38; 95% CI: 0.26–0.56; HR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.37–0.60 respectively). The probability of divorced or widowed women for BE was significantly higher compared to those living with a spouse (HR = 3.64; 95% CI: 2.49–5.33). Lack of employment was associated with higher likelihood of BE (HR = 1.54; 95% CI: 1.30–1.82). Income had a dose-response relationship with BE in multivariable analysis: lower income was associated with the nearly four-fold greater probability compared to the highest income quartile (HR = 3.83; 95% CI: 2.89–5.07). Conclusions Despite the exceptionally high prevalence of PMAD among ethnic minorities, Bedouins and Arabs had lowest likelihood of Benefit Entitlement. In addition to developing programs for early identification of postpartum emotional disorders among unprivileged ethnic groups, awareness regarding entitlement to a mental health disability allowance among ethnic minorities should be improved.

Abstract Background Traumatic injury is one of the main reasons for temporary and permanent occupational disability. The objective of this study was to define the role of socio-economic position on post-injury occupational absenteeism. Methods This was a nationwide retrospective cohort study, based on linking The Israeli National Trauma Registry (INTR) and the National Insurance Institute (NII) databases. The study population included 44,740 injured workers (residents of Israel, aged 21–67, hospitalized between 2008 and 2013 and employed prior to injury as salaried workers). Logistic-regression models tested the probability of not returning to work (RTW). Results The majority of the study population (61%) RTW within 1 month following the injury event. Income prior to injury was significantly associated with longer out of work stay, explaining 9% variance. A significant interaction (p value