Abstract

SOUZA, Suerda Fortaleza de et al. Depression in high voltage power line workers. Rev. bras. epidemiol. [online]. 2012, vol.15, n.2, pp. 235-245. ISSN 1415-790X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-790X2012000200001.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between effort-reward imbalance and depressive symptoms among workers in high voltage power lines. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among 158 workers from an electric power company in Northeast Brazil. The main independent variables were the Effort-Reward Imbalance Model (ERI) dimensions and the main dependent variable was the prevalence of depression, as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Data were analyzed by multiple logistic regression techniques. RESULTS: The group of low reward workers presented a depression prevalence rate 6.2 times greater than those in the high reward group. The depression prevalence rate was 3.3 greater in workers in the situation of imbalanced effort-reward than in those in effort-reward equilibrium. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depression was strongly associated with psychosocial factors present in the work of electricity workers.

Keywords : Mental Health; Depression; Psychosocial Factors; Occupational Health; Energy Supply.