Depressive symptoms and related factors among workers in care institutions for older persons in Japan: a cross-sectional study

Key summary points Aim The survey was conducted to examine stressful situations and assess psychological distress among workers in care institutions for older persons in Japan. Findings Factors associated with a high risk of depression included young age, short sleep duration on weeknights, and working for more than 45 h per week. Message Risk factors of depression among care workers were suggested to be young age, short sleep duration on weeknights, and long working hours. Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and related factors among workers in care institutions for older persons in Japan. In addition, we sought to identify the relationships between high (i.e., ≥ 16) Center for epidemiologic studies depression scale (CES-D) scores, sociodemographic characteristics, and occupational variables. Methods Care institutions for older persons in Akita prefecture were randomly selected to participate in the survey. Participants were recruited by their employers and were invited to complete the survey. In total, 197 care institutions for older persons in Akita prefecture agreed to participate in the study. Of the 2727 workers who were invited to participate, 2404 returned complete questionnaires. The CES-D was used to determine the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms. Results Data for 2088 employees showed that 44.3% had high CES-D scores. Sociodemographic characteristics and occupational factors associated with a high risk of depression included young age, short sleep duration on weeknights, and working for more than 45 h per week. Conclusions To prevent depression, care workers should be aware of the effects of long working hours and lack of sleep. In addition, special attention should be paid to young workers as a high-risk group.