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Depressive symptoms in C hinese assembly‐line migrant workers: A case study in the shoe‐making industry
Author(s) -
Ren Feng,
Yu Xin,
Dang Weimin,
Niu Wenyi,
Zhou Tianhang,
Lin Yongqiang,
Wu Zijun,
Lin Lin,
Zhong Baoliang,
Chu Hongling,
Zhou Jinpeng,
Ding Hong,
Yuan Ping
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
asia‐pacific psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.654
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 1758-5872
pISSN - 1758-5864
DOI - 10.1111/appy.12332
Subject(s) - depression (economics) , workforce , logistic regression , cross sectional study , medicine , verbal abuse , beck depression inventory , assembly line , psychology , environmental health , psychiatry , suicide prevention , poison control , anxiety , mechanical engineering , pathology , engineering , economics , macroeconomics , economic growth
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.