Depression in Brazilian farmers: prevalence and associated factors

Abstract

Background

The unique characteristics of rural areas and agricultural work can contribute to the genesis of diseases, including mental disorders such as depression.

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with depression symptoms in Brazilian farmers.

Methods

A cross-sectional epidemiological study involving 784 farmers of the state of Espírito Santo/Brazil was carried out. Depression was identified using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to assess the associated factors.

Results

The prevalence of depression symptoms among farmers was 16.8% (n = 132). Of those experiencing symptoms, 6.1% (n = 48) we're currently experiencing a depressive episode, and 10.7% (n = 84) a recurrent depressive episodes. The associated factors were: female gender (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.04–2.54), not owning the land (OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.11–2.89), professional dissatisfaction (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.18–3.35), previous pesticide poisoning (OR 2.87; 95% CI 1.45–5.67), complex multimorbidity (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.15–3.31) and occurrence of previous depressive episodes (OR 9.83; 95% CI 4.39–21.99).

Conclusions

A high prevalence of depression symptoms was identified among rural workers. Sociodemographic, occupational, clinical, and professional dissatisfaction factors were associated with a higher risk of depression symptoms in this population.

Keywords:

• Rural workers
• depression
• mental disorders
• occupational health
• mini international neuropsychiatric interview

Disclosure statement

The authors declare they have no actual or potential competing financial interests.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Espírito Santo (FAPES) under Grant FAPES Notice/CNPq/Decit-SCTIE-MS/SESA – PPSUS – No. 05/2015.