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Depressive Symptoms Among South African Construction Workers: Associations with Demographic, Social and Work-Related Factors, and Substance Use

Author

Listed:
  • Rita Peihua Zhang

    (School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

  • Paul Bowen

    (Department of Construction Economics and Management, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, Cape Town 7701, South Africa)

  • Peter Edwards

    (School of Property, Construction and Project Management, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

Abstract

The construction industry exhibits higher rates of depression in its workforce compared to other industries. This study investigates the association between the prevalence of depressive symptoms and various demographic (e.g., age, ethnicity, education), social, and work-related factors (e.g., relationship status, living environment, work situation) and behavioural factors (e.g., alcohol and drug use). Survey data collected from 496 male construction workers working in the Western Cape were analysed using binomial logistic regression to determine the associations. The results showed that ‘Black African’ construction workers exhibited lower levels of depressive symptoms than ‘Other’ ethnic groups, and workers with at least secondary education had the highest levels of depressive symptoms compared to workers with other levels of education. Workers who were single or living with other adults without children had a significantly higher risk of depression compared to those in other forms of family relationships. Substance use was found to be associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, suggesting that construction workers use alcohol and drugs as a coping strategy for short-term depressive symptom reduction. Construction organisations should develop strategies to protect the mental health of construction workers, particularly those who are prone to depression.

Suggested Citation

  • Rita Peihua Zhang & Paul Bowen & Peter Edwards, 2025. "Depressive Symptoms Among South African Construction Workers: Associations with Demographic, Social and Work-Related Factors, and Substance Use," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:5:p:694-:d:1643981
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Robin Richards & Brian O’Leary & Kingstone Mutsonziwa, 2007. "Measuring Quality Of Life In Informal Settlements In South Africa," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 81(2), pages 375-388, April.
    2. Riolo, S.A. & Nguyen, T.A. & Greden, J.F. & King, C.A., 2005. "Prevalence of depression by race/ethnicity: Findings from the national health and nutrition examination survey III," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(6), pages 998-1000.
    3. Ross, Catherine E. & Mirowsky, John, 2006. "Sex differences in the effect of education on depression: Resource multiplication or resource substitution?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 63(5), pages 1400-1413, September.
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