A closer look at depression and sleep quality relation: A cross-sectional study of taxi drivers in Tabriz metropolis

Taxi drivers play a significant role in urban mobility and safety as professional drivers. They typically have poor incomes, long work hours, lack of sleep, and high levels of stress, which increase the risk of physical and mental illnesses. The goal of this study was to explore the relationship between sleep disorders and depression among Tabriz metropolis taxi drivers.

Using the street intercept technique, a cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 402 taxi drivers in Tabriz during January and March 2020. Data collection tools included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Patient Health Questionnaire as well as demographic information. Twenty taxi stops were used as sampling sites, and the method used was random sampling based on the number of drivers at each stop. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata 13.

The majority of drivers worked an average of 6 days each week, with a mean tenure of 13.3 years. The sleep quality mean score for drivers was 5 (SD = 2.3). Approximately, 21% of them had sleep disorder (PSQI >6). Moderate depression was recognized in 13% of drivers and moderately severe depression has been found in 5% of them. Drivers were more likely to experience sleep disorders if they had mild (odds ratio [OR] = 3.9), moderate (OR = 16.4), or fairly severe depression symptoms (OR = 35.3). A seven times higher risk of depression was identified among drivers with sleep disorders.

It might be contended that a mutual relationship has been found between sleep disorders and depression, and disregarding this will deteriorate sleep turbulences. Considering the pivotal role of taxi drivers in urban mobility, accommodating initiatives that give a break time for drivers and improve their mental health is recommended.