Mental disorders related to psychosocial factors among delivery workers: results of a web survey in Brazil.

Purpose: The number of delivery workers (DW) has grown significantly with the rise of the platform economy. Evidence suggests that the working conditions faced by these workers are precarious, however, less is known about the health implications among workers. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of mental disorders (MD) and occupational factors related to this condition among DW.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, a web survey with DW in Brazil. Data collection lasted four months, starting in February 2022. Anxiety, panic disorder, and depression were measured based on self-reported medical diagnosis. Those with at least one of the three diagnoses were considered to have MD. Cox regression analysis, presenting prevalence ratios, showed the factors related to MD.

Results: A total of 563 DW participated in the study. The overall prevalence of MD was 25.6%. Lack of support from the company (PR = 1.71), accelerated work pace (PR = 1.55) and experience of conflicts with company customers (PR-1.48) were psychosocial factors associated to MD. In addition, working in the South, Southeast or Central-West regions is related to a higher prevalence of MD (PR = 2.10).

Conclusions: The high prevalence of MD and its association with psychosocial stressors at work require regulation of the practices of companies operating in the platform economy, aiming to control the intensification of work. In addition to health and social security policies, it is crucial to ensure fair remuneration to reduce the pace of work in a non-strenuous workday, protecting workers from conflicts with dissatisfied customers of the company.