A recent study published in the Journal of Transport & Health highlights the adverse impact of extended daily commutes on mental health. Beyond the well-known inconveniences of traffic and air pollution, researchers in South Korea have delved into the psychological toll of long commutes, shedding light on potential links to depression.

Conducted in a country known for both lengthy average commuting times and high rates of depression among OECD countries, the study aimed to explore the health implications of prolonged commutes, particularly in the Asian context where research on this topic is limited.

Depression
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The study, led by Dr. Lee Dong-wook, a professor in the Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Inha University Hospital in South Korea, analyzed data from the Fifth Korean Working Condition Survey conducted in 2017. The survey included responses from 23,415 individuals aged 20 to 59, who were questioned using the five-point World Health Organization (WHO) well-being index to assess their mental health.

Researchers examined various factors such as sex, age, education, income, region, marital status, occupation, weekly working hours, and shift work. The results, though not establishing a cause-and-effect relationship, revealed intriguing associations.

The study found that individuals spending over 60 minutes commuting to and from work were 1.16 times more likely to suffer from depression compared to those with commutes under 30 minutes. The average daily commute time was reported as 47 minutes, translating to nearly four hours spent commuting per week for those working five days.

The researchers emphasized that such prolonged commuting can induce both physical and psychological stress. With limited spare time, individuals may struggle to alleviate stress and combat fatigue through activities like sleep and hobbies. The study suggests that this time constraint also hinders investment in a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, potentially contributing to an increased risk of depression.

While the study does not provide a definitive cause-and-effect relationship, it does highlight correlations between extended commutes and poorer mental health. The impact was notably pronounced among unmarried men working more than 52 hours per week and having no children. For women, extended commuting times were most strongly linked with depressive symptoms among low-income workers, shift workers, and those with children.

Researchers caution that at least one-quarter of the study participants reported experiencing depressive symptoms, based on their index scores, which falls short of an actual diagnosis. Despite these limitations, the findings underscore the need for further exploration into the mental health consequences of prolonged commutes, especially in regions where commuting times are extensive.

As societies grapple with urbanization and increasing commute times, understanding the potential ramifications on mental health becomes crucial. The study prompts a broader conversation about workplace policies, urban planning, and public health interventions to mitigate the mental health risks associated with prolonged commuting.

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