Paid Domestic Work and Depressive Symptoms in Mexico: Results of a National Health Survey

Paid domestic work (PDW) is an important source of employment for the global female workforce. It is frequently performed under precarious working conditions and occupational risks that are often associated with depressive symptoms (DSs). Although 10% (2.2 million) of Mexican working women are paid domestic workers (PDWs), their mental health has remained understudied. This article analyzes the occurrence and factors associated with DSs in a sample of Mexican workers segmented into six workforce groups, including PDWs. A three-stage statistical analysis was performed on national health survey data from Mexico (ENSANUT 2012): 1. Tabulation of inferential statistics; 2. Multiple logistic regression modeling of DSs; 3. Postestimation of DSs prevalence. Our findings suggest a context of social disadvantages based on gender, education, and labor market segregation that manifests in PDWs having the highest adjusted prevalence of DSs (14.1%, 95%CI = 9.7-18.4). Significant differences in prevalence were observed when compared with other workforce groups, such as formal employees. Among working women, after adjusting for relevant covariates, the odds of DSs were higher among PDWs as compared with formal employees (OR = 1.65, 95%CI = 1.04-2.61). Ongoing efforts for PDW formalization should be maintained in Mexico as an employment policy and mechanism to achieve PDWs' social well-being and mental health.