Health and the double burden of full-time work and informal care provision - Evidence from administrative data

Abstract

We analyze the relationship between health and the double burden of both informal care provision and full-time work using administrative data from the second biggest German sickness fund. We have information on more than 7000 caregivers over a period of three years and apply linear panel data and two-part models. As outcome measures we use detailed information on the prescription of five types of drugs. We find that individuals who provide care and also work full-time have a significantly higher consumption of antidepressant drugs and tranquilizers than those who work only. This is mostly driven by an increase in the extensive margin of drug intake.