Asia-Pacific Psychiatry
Volume 11, Issue 2, 2019

Depressive symptoms in Chinese assembly-line migrant workers: A case study in the shoe-making industry (Article)

Ren F. , Yu X.* , Dang W. , Niu W. , Zhou T. , Lin Y. , Wu Z. , Lin L. , Zhong B. , Chu H. , Zhou J. , Ding H. , Yuan P.
  • a Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China
  • b Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
  • c Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
  • d School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
  • e Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing, China, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Peking University, Beijing, China, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
  • f Guangdong Mental Health Center, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
  • g Department of Occupational Health Surveillance, Shenzhen Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Shenzhen, China
  • h Longgang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
  • i Wuhan Mental Health Center, Wuhan, China
  • j School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
  • k Department of Occupational Health Surveillance, Shenzhen Hospital for the Prevention and Treatment of Occupational Disease, Shenzhen, China
  • l Longgang District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
  • m Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing, China

Abstract

Introduction: Assembly-line migrant workers (AMWs), as a major workforce in China, may be at particularly high risk of depression due to their relative low social economic status and particular job characteristics. However, little is known about the frequency and characteristics of depression among Chinese AMWs. This study investigated the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms in Chinese AMWs. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, 915 Chinese AMWs from two shoe-making factories completed a standardized questionnaire to report their socio-demographics, physical health, migration, and work. They also reported their depressive symptoms by completing the Beck Depression Inventory—Short Form (BDI—SF). We conducted multiple logistic regression analysis to identify factors related to depression. Results: We found that 31.7% of AMWs were clinically depressed (BDI-SF ≥ 8). The multiple regression model included age, self-rated physical health, pain, family relationships, having no good friends at the same factory, and working under high pressure. Discussion: Our findings suggest that depression is common among Chinese AMWs. We argue that there is an urgent need for health care providers and factory managers to work on the early identification of AMWs, who are at high risk for depression. Psychological and psychiatric treatments are necessary in the Chinese labor-intensive industries. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd

Author Keywords

assembly line Epidemiology Migrant worker Depression

Index Keywords

primary school depression Chinese multivariate logistic regression analysis human controlled study priority journal comparative study migrant worker cross-sectional study social status male Beck Depression Inventory female hyperbarism job characteristics shoe industry prevalence Article major clinical study adult correlational study disease severity
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85052940197&doi=10.1111%2fappy.12332&partnerID=40&md5=fe481552fba4e0a089fe3c9e305c94ff
DOI: 10.1111/appy.12332
ISSN: 17585864
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English