Objective: This study investigated the association between client characteristics and employment acquisition and duration among individuals with mental illness who were registered in Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programs.
 Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using data from a 2-year cohort study. Two hundred and two clients with a diagnosis of mental illness and who participated in IPS programs for job-seeking purposes were enrolled at 16 agencies providing these programs. Data on 11 client characteristics were collected at baseline (gender, age, diagnosis, education, living situation, receipt of disability certificate, disability pension or social security, work experience and hospitalization in the past year, and general functioning). For clients who were employed, data were also obtained on employment acquisition and the number of weeks worked. The associations between client characteristics and employment acquisition and duration were statistically analyzed.
 Results: The Global Assessment of Functioning score showed a significant positive association with obtaining employment (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.07, P=0.003) and employment duration (B: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.2 to 1.0, P=0.010). Male participants were significantly more likely to obtain employment than female participants (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.10 to 4.09, P=0.025). Regarding diagnosis, those with neurotic disorders had a significantly longer employment duration than those with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. No significant associations were found between other characteristics.
 Conclusions: Among clients of IPS programs in Japan, general functioning at the time of enrollment may affect employment outcomes. Women may be less likely to gain employment. Since client characteristics only modestly influence employment outcomes, future research should examine service and community characteristics, client job preferences, and working conditions that hinder or facilitate employment acquisition.
 Authors' abstract