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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-02-2009 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Risk factors for depression in truck drivers

Authors: Francisco Pereira da Silva-Júnior, MD, Raquel Saraiva Nunes de Pinho, MSc, Marco Túlio de Mello, PhD, Veralice Meireles Sales de Bruin, MD, PhD, Pedro Felipe Carvalhedo de Bruin, MD, PhD

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 2/2009

Abstract

Objective

Depression is a major public health problem. Work stress is associated with depression and workers whose jobs impose high levels of psychological demands, such as truck drivers, may be at increased risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and correlates of depression in truck drivers.

Method

This was a cross-sectional study of 300 male truck drivers. Presence and severity of depression were assessed by the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview followed by the Beck Depression Inventory Short Form. Relevant demographic, clinical and occupational data were collected using a purpose-built questionnaire.

Results

The prevalence of depression among truck drivers was 13.6%. Multivariate analysis showed that being 45 years or older had a protective effect (OR = 0.19; P = 0.02), whereas low educational level (OR = 3.03; P = 0.01), use of stimulants (OR = 5.03; P < 0.01) and wage-earning (OR = 2.84; P = 0.01), as opposed to self-employment, increased the risk for depression.

Conclusions

Truck drivers are at increased risk for depression when compared to the general population. Efforts to increase awareness of this problem and to limit the use of stimulants, as well as measures to improve job satisfaction, particularly among the wage-earning drivers, may have a positive impact on mental health in these workers.

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Title: Risk factors for depression in truck drivers
Authors: Francisco Pereira da Silva-Júnior, MD
Raquel Saraiva Nunes de Pinho, MSc
Marco Túlio de Mello, PhD
Veralice Meireles Sales de Bruin, MD, PhD
Pedro Felipe Carvalhedo de Bruin, MD, PhD
Publication date: 01-02-2009
Publisher: D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 2/2009
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-008-0412-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Risk factors for depression in truck drivers

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusions

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