Prevalence of Depression Among Employees in the Public Administration, Private and Industrial Sectors

Abstract Background Symptoms of depressive disorder have been found to be particularly common among employees in the private administration, public, and industrial sectors. Aims This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among the specified groups of workers and to identify the main stressors that lead to symptoms of this condition. Materials and methods A self-administrated questionnaire was completed by respondents comprised of three groups of workers in the Republic of North Macedonia – Skopje. The survey assessed the sociodemographic characteristics and mental health (Patient Health Questonnaire-9). Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between depressive symptoms and demographics, working environment and lifestyle parameters. Results The analysis of the total PHQ-9 score divided into two groups (≤ 10 and ≥ 10) indicated that 89% of the respondents had minimal/mild depression and 11% had moderate/severe depression. We have found a significant association between the group to which the respondent belongs and the degree of depression. Severe depression was significantly associated with work in public institutions. Conclusion Screening for depression among workers is necessary because of its high prevalence and high rates of underdiagnosis in the workplace. Early diagnosis and appropriate interventions are recommended, including actions focused on the risk factors for depression at the workplace.