A Study on Depression Experienced by Information Technology Professionals in a Private Company at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Introduction: In the past 30 years, there had been more than 916 Information Technology (IT) providers registered with National Association of Software and Service companies. Career in the IT field warrants struggles with deadlines, working at odd and long hours and poor inter-personal relationships all affecting the mental wellbeing of workers. Objective: To assess the levels of depression and its associated factors among IT Professionals. Method: A cross sectional study, among 170 IT professionals in Chennai. Interview was conducted collecting socio demographic details and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ - 9) was used to assess the depression levels. Descriptive statistics were computed for background variables. Association between various factors and levels of depression were analyzed using chi square test. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors. Results: Among the participants, majority 83 (48.8%) were between 21 – 30 years and 95 (55.9%) had work experience > 5 years. Most of them worked on day shifts 105(61.8%). A total of 60 (35.3%) participants had mild and 46 (27%) participants had moderate depression level. These risk factors when compared with depression, it was found that age, gender and working years were found to be significant. (p<0.05). Conclusion: In present study, 2/3rd of the participants had mild to moderate depression levels. It is necessary to increase the active depression management counseling services.