The association between occupational categories, working hours, and depression

Abstract

Depression has become a major public health concern impacting population health. This study aims to investigate the associations between occupation categories, working hours, and depression among United States workers. This cross-sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2005 and 2014. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Weighted multivariable logistic regression was employed to examine the association between occupation categories and depression. The relationship between working hours and depression across different occupation categories was analyzed using restricted cubic splines regression. Stratified analysis was conducted by categorizing weekly working hours into 3 groups (< 35 hours/week, 35 to 40 hours/week, and > 40 hours/week). This study included 12,062 participants, representing a weighted population of 114,509,270 individuals. Compared to the business and management industry, the following occupation categories showed significantly higher depression risks only observed in the unadjusted model: production and transportation (odds ratio [OR]: 1.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25–2.63), sales and service (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.42–3.11), and administration and healthcare (OR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.09–2.27). The restricted cubic spline regression revealed a significant nonlinear relationship between working hours and depression risk (P < .01). Occupation categories and working hours are significant factors influencing depression among United States workers. Public health policies and workplace interventions should target high-risk occupational groups with regulated working hours to mitigate the burden of work-related depression effectively.