Profile of workers receiving disability benefits for depressive conditions in south Santa Catarina, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, mental disorders have remained the third leading cause of sick-pay benefits due to incapacity for work in Brazil. OBJECTIVES: To assess the profile and outcomes of workers receiving sick pay for depression through the Criciúma unit of the Brazilian National Social Security Institute (Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social, INSS). METHODS: The study was carried out using data obtained from the Electronic System Portal of the INSS Citizen Information Service of Criciúma, state of Santa Catarina. A total of 343 individuals were selected over a 1-year period. We then analyzed all new benefits granted over a 6-year period. RESULTS: Mild depressive episode was the disorder that prompted the most disability benefits. The mean age was 42 years, with a predominance of female beneficiaries. Overall, 56% of beneficiaries were granted at least one new disability benefit. Mental health disorders were among the leading causes. The duration of new benefits was significantly longer. CONCLUSIONS: The typical profile is that of a 42-year-old woman, gainfully employed, earning one to two times the minimum wage, with low educational attainment, who is deemed unfit for work due to a mild depressive episode. Older age was a risk factor for being awarded a new benefit. Benefits classified as due to a more serious condition and those awarded subsequent to the first benefit had a longer duration. Given the relevance of depression to occupational health, we hope that the findings of the present study will contribute to the literature and encourage new research in the field.