Gender differences in depression according to roles and work-home interaction factors: a cross-sectional study by gender

Abstract This study examines the prevalence and impact of depression. Factors like genetics, demographics, lifestyle, and environment contribute to depression. Gender differences are prominent, with women having a higher risk. Gender roles, influenced by life experiences, play a role in mental health, like the relationship between caregiving roles and depression risk. Work-home interaction is explored, both as a source of stress and a potential positive spillover. The study aims to analyze gender differences in depression, considering roles, sociodemographics, and work-home interaction. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from primary health care centres in Spain. Primary outcome was depression symptomatology using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Secondary outcomes included sociodemographic data, and work-home interaction measured by the Survey Work-Home Interaction - Nijmegen (SWING). Descriptive analysis provided means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages. Bivariate analysis utilized Student’s t-test and Chi-square tests. Multivariate analysis employed linear regression with significant variables from bivariate analysis and plausible clinical implications. The study included 325 participants, 57% women and 43% men, with an average age of 51.6 years. Gender differences were found in employment type, work hours, household tasks, positive family-work interaction, and depression symptomatology. In men, not living with a partner, spending more time at work, and facing higher negative work-family interaction were associated to higher depression scores. For women, low income and greater negative work-home interaction were associated higher depression scale scores. Lower household income and negative work–family interactions were associated with greater depressive symptom severity, although the pattern of associated factors differed between men and women. These findings highlight the importance of considering gender-specific socioeconomic, occupational, and family circumstances when assessing depressive symptoms in primary care. Longitudinal research is required to establish temporality and evaluate the potential value of interventions targeting these factors.