DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2026.11437 ISSN: 0924-9338

Factors associated with elevated risk of depression among Brazilian truck drivers: a cross-sectional study

E. B. Camargo Júnior, R. C. D. D. Silva
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Introduction

Truck drivers are exposed to long working hours, sleep deprivation, and social isolation, making them more vulnerable to mental disorders such as depression. However, population-based studies on mental health in this group remain scarce in Brazil.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with an elevated risk of depression among truck drivers.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 597 truck drivers and was conducted between April and July 2023 at fuel stations and seed factory parking lots in the municipalities of Formosa and Rio Verde, Goiás, Brazil. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic, occupational, behavioral, and psychosocial variables. Depression symptoms were assessed using the depression subscale of the DASS-21, with cutoff scores defined as follows: ≤13 indicating low risk and ≥14 indicating high risk of depression. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of elevated risk of depression.

Results

The prevalence of an elevated risk of depression among participants was 13.6%. Drivers aged 60 years or older had higher odds of elevated depression risk, as did those with lower educational levels, particularly those who had not completed high school. Regarding occupational factors, working more than 12 hours per day was associated with a higher likelihood of depressive symptoms, as well as working irregular or night shifts. Furthermore, the number of kilometers driven daily was also a significant risk factor, with drivers covering more than 800 km per day showing the highest odds of elevated depression risk.

Table 1.

Sociodemographic factors associated with elevated risk of depression among truck drivers

Table 1. Long description.

Variable
Age 41–60 (ref: ≤40 years)
1.08 (0.63 – 1.85)
0.787
Age >60 (ref: ≤40 years)
2.35 (1.12 – 4.94) 0.024
Less than high school (ref: high school or more)
2.02 (1.21 – 3.35) 0.007
Table 2.

Occupational factors associated with elevated risk of depression among truck drivers

Table 2. Long description.

Variable
Odds Ratio (95% CI)
p-value
9–12 working hours/day (ref: ≤8h)
1.72 (0.86 – 3.42)
0.123
>12 working hours/day (ref: ≤8h)
2.51 (1.16 – 5.42) 0.020
Morning, afternoon & night shift (ref: morning & afternoon)
1.98 (1.03 – 3.80) 0.040
Other shifts (ref: morning & afternoon)
2.92 (1.43 – 5.98) 0.003
501–800 km/day (ref: ≤500 km)
3.21 (1.64 – 6.28) <0.001
>800 km/day (ref: ≤500 km)
9.27 (3.66 – 23.50) <0.001

Conclusions

The findings highlight that sociodemographic factors and working conditions significantly impact the mental health of truck drivers, reinforcing the need for public policies focused on the prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of well-being in this vulnerable population.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared

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