Occupational depression among beverage-processing workers in East Java, Indonesia: a cross-sectional study of work-related stressors.

BACKGROUND

Depression is a frequent mental health problem in industrial workers. Understanding work-related stressors linked to occupational depression can guide preventive action in industry settings.

Objective

To analyze associations between work stress factors and occupational depression among production workers in a beverage processing factory in East Java, Indonesia.

METHODS

An observational analytic cross-sectional mixed-methods (explanatory sequential) study was conducted between October 2024 and April 2025. Quantitative data were collected using self-administered questionnaires covering demographics, the Holmes-Rahe Social Readjustment Rating Scale, the Stress Diagnostic Survey-30 (SDS-30), and the Occupational Depression Inventory (ODI). Fifteen participants were randomly selected for focus group discussions (FGDs) to explore perceived workplace stressors. Occupational depression was defined as an ODI score ≥5. Associations were examined using a chi-squared or Fisher's exact test and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 140 production workers, 28 (20.0%) screened positive for occupational depression. In bivariate analyses, all six SDS-30 domains-role ambiguity, role conflict, quantitative overload, qualitative overload, career development stress, and responsibility for others-were significantly associated with occupational depression (p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, moderate-to-severe quantitative overload remained independently associated with occupational depression (adjusted OR 5.18; 95% CI 2.06-13.06).

DISCUSSION: Occupational depression affected one in five production workers in this setting. Quantitative workload pressure emerged as the most salient and modifiable risk factor, underscoring the importance of workload management, clear task allocation, and organizational support to protect workers' mental health.