(ECNS) -- Nearly one third of Chinese science and technology professionals suffer from depression and 4.2 percent are at high risk, according to a survey by the China Association for Science and Technology.
The survey, conducted by the Chinese Psychological Society, collected 7,959 questionnaires from people working in the science and technology sectors across China's 31 province-level regions.
The results show the general mental health of these workers has worsened since the first study in 2009, with workers especially facing an increasing risk of depression, said Chen Zhiyan, a professor with the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Chen said the occupation could cause psychological issues for people without good self-regulation, because science work is usually more detail-oriented, requiring steadfast commitment and a pursuit of perfection.
The survey found 24.4 percent of respondents showed mild depression, and 33.1 percent for those under 45 years old. For the younger age group, 8.6 percent suffered from severe depression and needed further diagnosis as well as treatment.
Male workers in science and technology are more inclined to depression than females, found the survey. It also showed that the lower the educational background, the higher the depression risk.
In the survey, the professionals worked 8.6 hours a day on average, and some worked up to 16 hours. People with doctoral degrees worked longer, averaging 9.29 hours and sleeping 7.76 hours.
Wang Qian, a China committee member of the International Psychoanalytical Association, said the survey showed science and technology workers generally had sleep problems.
The survey also found that some 79 percent of respondents were unable to easily access psychological counseling.
Experts leading the survey called for the establishment of an online service to help people working in the sectors.
