Differential Risk of Depression by Occupational Factors: A Gendered Perspective From the Brazilian National Health Survey.

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate occupational factors associated with depression among Brazilian workers, using data from the 2019 National Health Survey. This is a cross-sectional study with 52,475 participants. Depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (scores >9). Occupational exposures assessed included night work, chemical handling, noise exposure, sun exposure, and handling urban waste. Logistic regression models were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios for the association between occupational factors and depression, with analyses stratified by gender. The prevalence of depression was 11.0% (women: 15.8%; men: 5.7%). For women, significant risk factors included night work, chemical handling, noise exposure and prolonged sun exposure. For men, significant risk factors included night work and chemical handling. Depression is prevalent among Brazilian workers, with specific occupational exposures associated with increased risk.