OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) among workers in Feira de Santana city, Bahia, Brazil, according to sociodemographic characteristics, occupation, work psychosocial aspects, and leisure activities. METHODS: Exploratory cross sectional study, with random sampling of workers of Feira de Santana. A structured questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, professional work, psychosocial aspects at work, and leisure activities have been used in 2002. CMD was evaluated by using the SRQ-20. Logistic regression techniques were used to analyze the association between CMD and the variables of interest. RESULTS: 1.311 workers have been studied and the prevalence of CMD was 25.2%. The characteristics statistically associated to CMD, in the final model of analysis, were: female (PR=3.04; 2.34-3.95), low education level (PR=2.02; 1.57-2.60), low monthly income (PR=1.78; 1.12-2.84), absence of leisure activities (PR=1.35; 1.10-1.66), and work with high psychological demand (PR=1.45; 1.14-1.84). CONCLUSION: Association between CMD and several sociodemographic characteristics have been evidenced. Special attention must be given to these characteristics in order to promote worker's mental health.
common mental disorders; workers; SRQ 20; mental health
