Reviewing the Prevalence of Depression and Associated Factors among Shift Workers in Tehran Oil Refinery

In oil refinery plants، shift working is inevitable. Shift work is associated with depression; therefore this prospective study was carried out in Tehran Shahid Tondguyan Oil Refinery in order to determine the prevalence of depression in shift workers and to assess the effects of associated factors with depression among shift workers. In the present study، the shifting work system was a rotational 8-hour schedule. Depression status was determined by 21-item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and independent variable were collected by self-report general questionnaire. The study inclusive criteria were to be a shift worker، at least one year shift work experience، and giving written consent to participate in the study. Thus، of 355 shift workers، 307 were enrolled in the research. Exclusive criteria included lack of giving written consent to participate in the study. Among 307 shift workers، the mean and standard deviation (SD) of age were 34. 49 ± 10. 40 and the mean depression scores were 9. 25 ± 6. 97. More than 40% of the participants were identified positive for depression disorder in the screening (depression scores equal to or more than 10). The results showed that there was a statistically inverse significant association between the mean depression score and mean of age (P < 0. 001) and results of this study showed that depression scores mean were significantly different between different physical activity groups (P < 0. 001). The findings of our study showed although the main risk factor associated with prevalence of depression is the work itself in the shift-working system، there are also other risk factors، such as physical activity.