AUTHOR=Mazzetti Greta , Paganin Giulia , Mastrocola Antonella , Trono Vincenzo , Guglielmi Dina , Fioritti Angelo 
  
TITLE=Longitudinal Outcomes of Individual Placement and Support for Patients With Severe Mental Illness in Italy
  
JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health
  
VOLUME=Volume 71 - 2026
  
YEAR=2026
  
URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2026.1608701
  
DOI=10.3389/ijph.2026.1608701
  
ISSN=1661-8564
  
ABSTRACT=ObjectivesTo assess the long-term impact of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model on employment outcomes among individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMIs) and personality disorders (PDs) in Italy, and to examine the role of sociodemographic and clinical factors over a 42-month period.MethodsWe analyzed a 42-month longitudinal cohort of 1,408 IPS participants from seven Community Mental Health Centers in northern Italy. Data on demographics, diagnoses, and employment history were collected. Employment outcomes were compared across diagnostic groups and by nativity using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests.ResultsEmployment rates varied significantly by diagnosis. Participants with schizophrenia, PDs, and depression achieved higher job acquisition rates, whereas those with addiction disorders and milder psychiatric conditions faced greater barriers. Native participants were more likely to obtain employment, although job retention rates were comparable between groups. Job tenure differed across diagnoses, with those with addiction disorders showing shorter employment durations.ConclusionThe IPS model improves employment for individuals with SMIs and PDs, though disparities by diagnosis and nativity remain. Tailored interventions are needed to promote more inclusive and equitable vocational rehabilitation.