Faculty Collaboration Database

The community initiative on depression: report from a multiphase work site depression intervention. J Occup Environ Med 2005 Jan;47(1):60-7

Date

01/12/2005

Pubmed ID

15643160

DOI

10.1097/01.jom.0000147211.63924.87

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-12344328380 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   19 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We sought to further understand depression, a common, disabling condition with considerable ramifications for the workplace, including higher costs, absenteeism, and reduced work performance.

METHODS: A multidisciplinary health care coalition recently implemented a multiphase workplace depression initiative in Kansas City. We report results from its first phase, a 22-item, self-administered survey of depression knowledge and attitudes among employees of 13 large, local work sites.

RESULTS: There were 6,399/38,945 respondents (16% response rate). Most respondents (>90%) appropriately recognized the signs and symptoms of depression. A minority (29%) would feel comfortable discussing depression with their supervisor. Sixty-two percent knew how to access company resources for depression care.

CONCLUSIONS: Employees were knowledgeable about depression but were less aware of employee-assistance programs for depression care. These findings support increased attempts to raise the awareness of depression and promote of help-seeking behavior in the workplace.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Depression is a prevalent illness with risk for many deleterious outcomes if under-recognized or undertreated. Depression is a leading cause of work-related disability worldwide. Most people with depression are employed (an estimated 68%). Recognizing and initiating depression care in the workplace will facilitate depression treatment in clinical settings.

Author List

Charbonneau A, Bruning W, Titus-Howard T, Ellerbeck E, Whittle J, Hall S, Campbell J, Lewis SC, Munro S

Author

Jeffrey Whittle MD Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Awareness
Community Participation
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depressive Disorder
Disability Evaluation
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Health Promotion
Health Services Accessibility
Health Surveys
Humans
Kansas
Male
Middle Aged
Occupational Diseases
Occupational Health Services
Workplace