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Risk factors for depression in truck drivers
Francisco Pereira da Silva-Júnior1, Raquel Saraiva Nunes de Pinho, Marco Túlio de Mello
1Department of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Ceará, Rua Prof. Costa Mendes, 1608-4 degrees andar, 60430-040, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|July 22, 2008
Summary
Truck drivers face a high risk of depression, with 13.6% affected. Factors like low education and stimulant use increase risk, while older age offers protection. Targeted interventions are needed for this occupational group.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Depression is a significant public health concern.
- Work-related stress, particularly high psychological demands, is linked to depression.
- Truck drivers, due to job demands, may be at elevated risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depression in truck drivers.
- To identify factors associated with depression in this occupational group.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 300 male truck drivers.
- Depression assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and Beck Depression Inventory Short Form.
- Demographic, clinical, and occupational data collected via questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Depression prevalence was 13.6% among truck drivers.
- Older age (≥45 years) was protective (OR=0.19).
- Increased risk associated with lower education (OR=3.03), stimulant use (OR=5.03), and wage-earning status (OR=2.84).
Conclusions:
- Truck drivers exhibit a higher risk of depression compared to the general population.
- Interventions should focus on raising awareness, reducing stimulant use, and improving job satisfaction, especially for wage-earning drivers.
- Addressing these factors can positively impact mental health in this workforce.
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