Depressive symptoms in workers with subsistence jobs in the pandemic context, according to working and extra-working conditions, Medellín, Colombia 2021.

Introduction: Although mental health is a topic of interest in public health, there is still little evidence on depressive symptoms among informal workers in times of pandemic.

Objectives: To identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their relationship with working and socioeconomic conditions among informal workers in the context of the pandemic, Medellin, Colombia, 2021.

Methods: Cross-sectional study using primary data collected from 656 workers, after obtaining informed consent. A pilot test was conducted, and selection and information biases were controlled. Exploratory, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression.

Results: A higher proportion of participants were men; 74% were aged ≥ 45 years, 85% were heads of household and experienced economic, labor and health difficulties during the isolation period. A prevalence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms of 4.3% was identified. These were associated (p < 0.05) with age (30 and 44 years old), belonging to a single-parent family, living in an urban area, consuming alcohol , lacking work authorization, not having received economic support during mandatory isolation, and having received economic support from their labor association. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were explained (p < 0.05) by age (30 and 44 years old), belonging to a blended or single-parent family, consuming alcohol, and not having received economic support during quarantine.

Conclusions: The conditions that explain a higher prevalence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms in this population can be addressed in future emergencies through joint actions by the State, the families, and workers.