Work Impairment in Patients with Depression: A Descriptive Cross Section Study

Abstract Background Depression significantly impairs all aspects of the patient’s life. Work comes on top of the list. This greatly affects productivity nationally and internationally. This study aimed to determine work impairment among patients with depression, and its associated factors. Methods This is an observational descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 380 patients with depression who attended Mansoura University Hospitals, Egypt. Depression diagnosis was based on structured clinical interview using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Data were collected using a questionnaire. Sociodemographic, occupational, and clinical factors were inquired about. Lam Employment Absence and Productivity Scale (LEAPS) was used to calculate work impairment in patients with depression. Results more than half of the study participants (52.4%) had moderate, severe, or very severe work impairment. Independent predictors of moderate to very severe impairment are insufficient income, morning shift work, missed 5 or more work hours during the past 2 weeks, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) of 25 or more, 2 or more depressive episodes, 5 or more depressive symptoms, and death thoughts. Conclusions Depression greatly impacts patients’ ability to work. Periodic screening for work impairment especially among high-risk groups allows for early detection and timely intervention to reserve quality of life and work performance.