Depressive symptoms and work-related stress in Chilean workers: differential conditions for males and females

This article assessed depressive symptoms associated with work-related psychosocial risk factors according to gender in Chile, using the demand-control model (Karasek) and effort-reward imbalance (Siegrist). A cross-sectional study was conducted in a random sample of 3,010 workers (35% female and 65% male) from the country. Data analysis determined prevalence and associations through various statistical techniques (χ ² , logistic regression). Exposure to psychosocial risk factors at work and prevalence of depressive symptoms were higher in women than men (15% vs. 5%). The adjusted analysis highlighted that female workers exposed to Isostrain (OR = 2.34; 95%CI: 1.42-3.85) and low rewards (OR = 2.13; 95%CI: 1.41-3.21) and male workers exposed to psychological demands (OR = 3.04; 95%CI: 1.94-4.76) and effort-reward imbalance (OR = 2.19; 95%CI: 1.39-3.46) had increased risk of depressive symptoms. Exposure to work-related psychosocial risk factors was associated with depressive symptoms in Chilean workers. Effective prevention in key aspects of work organization is thus needed.

Depression; Psychological Stress; Work