Causal relationship between occupational dysfunction and depression in healthcare workers: A study using structural equation model

Purpose: : The purpose of this study is to identify the impacts of occupational dysfunction on depression in healthcare workers (nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists) in hospitals. Methods: : Healthcare workers responded to a questionnaire based on the Classification and Assessment of Occupational Dysfunction (CAOD) and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). CAOD and CES-D were examined using the following methods: descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and a causal sequence model. Results: : CFA of CAOD had 16 items and 5 factors (CFI=0.958, TLI=0.946, RMSEA＝0.092). CFA of CES-D had 20 items and 4 factors (CFI=0.950, TLI=0.942, RMSEA=0.060). The results suggest that occupational dysfunction had positive causal effects on depression (CFI=0.926, TLI=0.920, RMSEA=0.059). Conclusion: : This model refers to the relationship between depression and occupational dysfunction. Therefore, assessment and intervention on classification of occupational dysfunction for healthcare workers would be beneficial in the prevention of depression.