Loneliness and social support mediate stress-depression in truck drivers.

BACKGROUND: Long-haul truck drivers are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges due to prolonged isolation, irregular work schedules and occupational stress. However, the mechanisms underlying the relationship between perceived stress and depressive symptoms remain insufficiently understood. AIMS: This study investigates the mediating roles of loneliness and social support in the association between perceived stress and depressive symptoms among long-haul truck drivers. METHODS: A cross-sectional design with cluster sampling was employed, involving 652 male truck drivers. Data on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, loneliness and social support were collected. A serial mediation model was used to test direct and indirect effects. RESULTS: Depressive symptoms were reported in 27% of participants. Perceived stress directly predicted depressive symptoms (β = 0.178, P < 0.001) and also had indirect effects through three pathways: from perceived stress to loneliness and then to depressive symptoms (indirect effect = 0.027); from perceived stress to social support and then to depressive symptoms (indirect effect = 0.112); and a sequential pathway from perceived stress to loneliness, then to social support and finally to depressive symptoms (indirect effect = 0.009). The total indirect effects accounted for 45% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived stress contributes to depressive symptoms through a sequential mechanism involving heightened loneliness and diminished social support among long-haul truck drivers. These findings underscore the importance of interventions targeting psychosocial mediators to mitigate mental health disparities in this high-strain occupation. Strategies to enhance social connectedness and strengthen support systems are warranted.