Use of welfare benefits in multiple chemical sensitivity when compared to a general population – A registry and population-based cohort study

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), characterized by adverse responses to extremely low levels of airborne chemicals, is often considered a functional somatic disorder (FSD). No standardized treatment exists and MCS individuals often cope by avoidance behaviour including adjustments in occupational...

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Published in:Journal of psychosomatic research Vol. 199; p. 112431
Main Authors: Bjerregaard, Anne Ahrendt, Petersen, Marie W., Gormsen, Lise, Skovbjerg, Sine, Jørgensen, Torben, Dantoft, Thomas Meinertz
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England Elsevier Inc 01.12.2025
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Cohort Studies
Denmark - epidemiology
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 - epidemiology
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Multiple chemical sensitivity
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - economics
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - epidemiology
Occupation
Pensions - statistics & numerical data
Population-based cohort study
Psychiatric/Mental Health
Registries - statistics & numerical data
Registry-based study
Retrospective Studies
Sick Leave - statistics & numerical data
Social inequality
Social Welfare - statistics & numerical data
Unemployment - statistics & numerical data
Welfare benefits
Denmark
Occupation
Social inequality
Welfare benefits
FSD
Population-based cohort study
DREAM
Registry-based study
IQR
MCS
Multiple chemical sensitivity
SQL
Functional somatic disorders
Inter quartile range
The Symptom Checklist
The Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalization
ISSN:0022-3999, 1879-1360, 1879-1360
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), characterized by adverse responses to extremely low levels of airborne chemicals, is often considered a functional somatic disorder (FSD). No standardized treatment exists and MCS individuals often cope by avoidance behaviour including adjustments in occupational life. Using Danish registry data, the aim was to investigate the use of welfare benefits in a 14-year period among Danish individuals with MCS. Based on the Danish Study of Functional Disorders (DanFunD, 2011–2015), 177 MCS cases were identified via standardized validated questionnaires. The remaining study population without a FSD was regarded the reference as population (n = 7578). Data on welfare benefits was assessed from the Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalization. Comparisons were made between the two groups, 10 years retrospectively, and 4 years prospectively from participation in DanFunD. A secondary comparison group was individuals with type 2 diabetes. Retrospectively, a higher proportion of individuals with MCS received sickness benefit (29 % vs 48 %, p < 0.05), disability pension (2 % vs 14 %, p < 0.05), and unemployment benefits (21 % vs 29 %, p < 0.05). 4 years prospectively, individuals with MCS had a higher relative risk (RR) of disability pension (RR: 2.73, 95 % CI 1.45, 5.16). Similar differences were seen when comparing with type 2 diabetes individuals. During a 14-year period, compared to the general population, use of welfare benefits was higher in individuals with MCS primarily due to increased sickness leave and work disability. MCS has substantial influence on the individuals' occupational situation and is potentially a high burden on society. •Knowledge on the consequences on society in terms of use of welfare benefits in MCS is lacking.•This study utilized Danish registry data to explore use of welfare benefits in MCS.•Individuals with MCS displayed significantly more welfare benefits than those without.
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ISSN:0022-3999
1879-1360
1879-1360
DOI:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2025.112431