The Effect of Employment and Occupational Factors on Late-Life Depression in Korea

Abstract

Objective: The present study investigated the prevalence of depression using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) across general and occupational characteristics in older Koreans and identified associations between depression and occupational factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study used Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and analyzed 2426 participants (more than 50 years older). Complex sample logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting general characteristics. Results: Using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data we identified the employment status and occupational factors (working hours per week, working status, occupation type, working schedule) are associated with the prevalence of late-life depression after adjusting general characteristics among older Korean men. Conclusions: The occupational environment associated with mental health is an important social issue for increasingly aging workers. There is a need for appropriate occupational environments and high-quality occupations enabling older people to work with public interest and collaborative effort of social and governmental institutions.