Occupational Differences in Levels of Anxiety and Depression: The Hordaland Health Study
Abstract
The literature on anxiety and depression in work life is scarce. This study examined if and how levels of anxiety and depression differed between occupations. The study encompassed 17384 workers with occupations classified according to ISCO-88 (COM) from the population-based Hordaland Health Study. Levels of anxiety and depression were assessed by the anxiety and depression subscales of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A and HADS-D, respectively). Main analytical method was univariate analysis of variance. Both HADS-A and HADS-D scores differed significantly between occupaional groups. HADS levels showed a distinct and inverse association with skill levels, most strongly observed for HADS-D scores in men. The relationship between skill levels and depression caseness was equally strong. Elementary occupations consistently showed higher-than-average HADS scores. The strength of the associations between depression score/caseness and skill levels are of clinical significance. Screening for depression should be considered in low-skill occupations.
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The HADS is a reliable and valid measure which has been used to assess anxiety and depression among out-patients and in occupational settings.
“The HADS is a reliable and valid measure which has been used to assess anxiety and depression among out-patients and in occupational settings (Sanne et al., 2003).”
From A randomised trial of Mindfulness-based Social Work and Self-Care with social workers (2023) · cites this paper as Sanne et al., 2003
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“2003;45:628–638) A nxiety and depressive disorders are major public health problems, and there is a growing awareness of the economic burden imposed by these disorders.(1,2) Absenteeism and reduced capacity while at work account for a considerable part of this burden.”
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The hospital anxiety and depression scale
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A randomised trial of Mindfulness-based Social Work and Self-Care with social workers
Maddock, A., McGuigan, K., & McCusker, P. (2023) · Current Psychology · doi:10.1007/s12144-023-04410-w · Cited by 27 · see citing works
“The HADS is a reliable and valid measure which has been used to assess anxiety and depression among out-patients and in occupational settings (Sanne et al., 2003).”
MethodFreund, J., Buntrock, C., Braun, L., Thielecke, J., Baumeister, H., Berking, M., Ebert, D. D., & Titzler, I. (2022) · Internet Interventions · doi:10.1016/j.invent.2022.100566 · Cited by 11 · see citing works
- Authors
- Sanne, B., Mykletun, A., Dahl, A. A., Moen, B. E., & Tell, G. S.
- Affiliations
- University of Bergen (NO)
- Oslo University Hospital (NO)
- Corresponding author
- Sanne, Bjarte
- Venue
- Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
- Published
- 2003-06
- Volume
- 45
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 628-638
- ISSN
- 1076-2752 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2005408953
- Cited by
- 91
- References
- 5
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 15 · 2022: 3 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 5 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 5 · 2014: 1 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 6.37
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Workplace Health and Well-being
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Occupational Therapy › Occupational Health and Burnout
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Employment and Welfare Studies
- Keywords
- anxiety, depression, occupational differences, skill level, low-skilled jobs, gender differences, depression screening, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Hordaland Health Study
- MeSH terms
- Anxiety, Depression, Female, Humans, Male, Norway, Occupations, Rural Health, Urban Health, Odds Ratio, Occupational Health
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