Working conditions and depressive symptoms in the 2003 decennial health survey: the role of the occupational category

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe the associations between depressive symptoms and some working conditions according to broad occupational categories in France. These data came from the decennial health survey conducted in 2003 in France by the National Institute for Statistics and Economics Studies (6,082 men, 5,521 women). The data collected included: depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale), psychosocial factors at work and potential confounding factors. Associations between psychosocial work factors and depressive symptoms varied, according to occupational category and sex. Time pressure was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in the less advantaged occupational categories. The lack of job control was associated with depressive symptoms only in managers and associate professionals and technicians. Only low social support was systematically associated with depressive symptoms, regardless of occupational category. These results should be taken into account to adapt strategies of mental health disorders prevention at work, for a better efficacy.