Job Demands and Depression in Veterinary Practice
Author Information
Author(s): Simone Vestergaard Christiansen, Thomas Clausen
Primary Institution: National Research Centre for the Working Environment
Hypothesis
Simultaneous exposure to multiple job demands is associated with an increased risk of depression for employees in clinical veterinary practice.
Conclusion
Combinations of emotional demands and other types of job demands are associated with an increased risk of depression among employees in clinical veterinary practice in Denmark.
Supporting Evidence
- 15.1% of participants showed indications of depression.
- High emotional demands combined with high quantitative demands increased depression risk (OR: 8.37).
- High emotional demands combined with high role conflicts increased depression risk (OR: 8.95).
- High emotional demands combined with threats at work increased depression risk (OR: 7.06).
- High emotional demands combined with high work pace increased depression risk (OR: 14.24).
Takeaway
Veterinarians who face a lot of emotional and other job demands are more likely to feel sad or depressed.
Methodology
The study used a cross-sectional design with an online survey to assess job demands and depressive symptoms among veterinary employees.
Potential Biases
There is a risk of reverse causality, where depressive symptoms may influence perceptions of job demands.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inference and may be affected by reporting bias.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 38.2 years; 90.2% identified as women; majority worked in small animal practice.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 4.31–16.24
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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