Major Depressive Episodes and Work Stress: Results From a National Population Survey

Abstract

Objectives. We determined the proportion of workers meeting criteria for major depressive episodes in the past year and examined the association between psychosocial work-stress variables and these episodes.Methods. Data were derived from the Canadian Community Health Survey 1.2, a population-based survey of 24 324 employed, community-dwelling individuals conducted in 2002. We assessed depressive episodes using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview.Results. Of the original sample, 4.6% (weighted n=745948) met criteria for major depressive episodes. High job strain was significantly associated with depression among men (odds ratio [OR] = 2.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.29, 4.37), and lack of social support at work was significantly associated with depression in both genders (men, OR=2.70; 95% CI=1.55, 4.71; women, OR=2.37; 95% CI=1.71, 3.29). Women with low levels of decision authority were more likely to have depression (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.06, 2.39) than were women with high levels of authority.Conclusions. A significant proportion of the workforce experienced major depressive episodes in the year preceding our study. Gender differences appear to affect work-stress factors that increase risk for depression. Prevention strategies need to be developed with employers and employee organizations to address work organization and to increase social support. (Am J Public Health. 2007;97: 208897: -209397: . doi:10.210597: /AJPH.2006 Fourth Edition (DSM-IV ) 12 and examined the relationship between psychosocial work characteristics and 12-month major depressive episodes. We hypothesized that individuals experiencing increased job strain (higher job demands and lower decision latitude) would be at higher risk for 12-month major depressive episodes.

Work-relatedness of mood disorders in Denmark

“…The following variables have been suggested to be associated with depression: job dissatisfaction (9), long working hours (10)(11)(12)(13), job strain (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20), high job demands (21)(22)(23)(24), low job control (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26), job insecurity (18,22,26), low social support at work (19,21,22,24,26,27), effort-reward imbalance (20,28), workplace bullying (29), conflicting demands (23), and organizational injustice (15). Work should, however, not be regarded only as a negative factor in the development of mood disorders.…”

Work Stress, Coping Strategies and Levels of Depression among Nurses Working in Mental Health Hospital in Port-Said City

“…In the same context, previous studies have found that individuals with high level of work stress, who had less control, less support, or had to work on weekends, had worse physical and mental health, and were more depressed [28,35]. Studies focused on stress and depression in nurses found that the nurses' tension was positively correlated to their depression levels [11,36,37].…”

“…So, it is not unusual that psychiatric nurses suffer from the depression episode twice the rate of the general population. Generally, the risk factors of depression being female [28,29], low self-worth/self-esteem [30,31], maladaptive coping strategy [32] stressful life events [29,33] and work stress [28].…”

The Factors Associated with Anxiety and Depression in Slovenian Armed Forces Members on a Peacekeeping Mission in the Western Balkans / Dejavniki, Povezani Z Depresijo In Tesnobnostjo Pri Slovenskih Vojakih Na Mirovni Misiji Na Zahodnem Balkanu

“…Therefore, depression often goes unrecognised; only half of the patients with depression are identified and even fewer are treated (8,9). (15). High job strain was significantly associated with depression among men, and lack of social support at work was significantly associated with depression in both genders.…”

“…A significant proportion of the workforce experienced major depressive episodes in the year preceding the study. Gender differences appear to affect work stress factors that increase the risk of depression (15). The impact of work on the risk of future psychiatric disorder has been examined in several longitudinal studies.…”