Working and non-working conditions related to the presence of depressive symptoms in women workers with subsistence jobs in the centre of Medellín, 2015–2019

Objective

To determine the working and non-working conditions related to depressive symptoms in informal workers in the centre of Medellín in 2015–2019.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with analytical intention and primary sources of information. Data collection with assisted survey in one of its union headquarters in 2016, after a pilot test and standardisation of pollsters. A total of 291 women workers were taken as a census, and their working and non-working conditions were explored.

Results

The women had an average age of 45 years, ≤5 years of schooling, low and middle-income housing, and income below the 2016 minimum wage. About 60% suffered moderate-severe food insecurity, and received no state benefits. They were mainly the head of the family, with 1 or 2 dependents, and were responsible for the work at home. They worked at least 8 h a day, 6 or 7 days a week, with parents or relatives selling in the street, and at least 20 years in their work. About 60% had a partner, 21.6% with family dysfunction, and 15.4% moderate-severe depressive symptoms. Living in one room or a slum, with a low socioeconomic status and moderate-severe family dysfunction were associated with, and contributed to the explanation of, moderate-severe depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The non-working conditions that are associated with and explain the moderate-severe depressive symptoms of female workers can be modified with actions that impact on the social determinants of health.