Gender differences in self-perceived changes among Japanese workers with depression

Abstract

Background The number of patients living with depression continues to increase in Japan. The economic effects of depression include loss of productivity due to both absenteeism and presenteeism. Gender differences have been reported in prevalence, onset pathways and subjective symptoms of depression. Aims To understand how workers with major depressive disorder (MDD) perceive problems in the workplace and examine gender differences in their self-perceived levels of functioning at work, noticed during the initial stages of depression. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of Japanese workers with MDD. Participants’ self-perceived changes in the level of functioning at work were surveyed after the diagnosis during the first visit. The relationship between gender and changes in the level of functioning at work as initially perceived by the participants themselves was analysed using the chi-square test, supplemented by a residual analysis. Results We administered the survey to 147 workers with MDD. In terms of gender differences in initial self-perceived changes in the level of functioning at work, the proportion of men reporting reduced work efficiency was significantly higher than that of women, while the proportion of women reporting deterioration in relationships with colleagues and superiors was significantly higher than that of men. Conclusions The findings suggest that greater attention to reduced work efficiency by men and to deterioration in work relationships by women with MDD should be essential components of self-care. Managers need to pay attention to the level of functioning and provide adequate social support for employees.

Relationships between Occupational Stress, Change in Work Environment during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms among Non-Healthcare Workers in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Second, securing adequate human resources and reducing the workload is critical for reducing the occupational stress related to “variance in workload.” Third, creating a work environment that supports communication among coworkers and strengthens social support among coworkers is important. Enhanced social support by focusing on changes in workers’ performance (reduced work efficiency) and interactions (the deterioration of relationships with colleagues and superiors) in the workplace are necessary for the early detection of major depressive disorder [ 53 ]. Fourth, taking all available COVID-19 precautions, such as assessing job hazards for the feasibility of engineering controls, ensuring ventilation and water systems operate properly, altering workspaces to maintain physical distancing, temperature and symptom screening, encouraging sick workers to report symptoms, encouraging physical distancing and wearing masks in the workplace, and using technology to promote physical distancing [ 54 ], are essential for protecting employees from SARS-CoV-2 infection.…”