Depressive symptoms in workers with subsistence jobs in the pandemic context, according to working and extra-working conditions, Medellín, Colombia 2021.

INTRODUCTION

Although mental health is a topic of interest in public health, there is still little evidence on depressive symptoms among informal workers in times of pandemic.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their relationship with working and socioeconomic conditions among informal workers in the context of the pandemic, Medellin, Colombia, 2021.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study using primary data collected from 656 workers, after obtaining informed consent. A pilot test was conducted, and selection and information biases were controlled. Exploratory, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of participants were men; 74% were aged ≥ 45 years, 85% were heads of household and experienced economic, labor and health difficulties during the isolation period. A prevalence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms of 4.3% was identified. These were associated (p < 0.05) with age (30 and 44 years old), belonging to a single-parent family, living in an urban area, consuming alcohol , lacking work authorization, not having received economic support during mandatory isolation, and having received economic support from their labor association. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were explained (p < 0.05) by age (30 and 44 years old), belonging to a blended or single-parent family, consuming alcohol, and not having received economic support during quarantine.

CONCLUSIONS

The conditions that explain a higher prevalence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms in this population can be addressed in future emergencies through joint actions by the State, the families, and workers.