The prevalence and incidence of major depressive disorder in 8079 Chinese university freshmen before and during COVID-19

Abstract

BackgroundCOVID-19 pandemic may impact the prevalence and incidence of depression in college students. However, there is no longitudinal study focusing on major depressive disorder (MDD) before and during COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA cohort study was carried out among 8079 Chinese college freshmen. The baseline survey was conducted in 2018 (T0) and annual follow-ups were in 2019 (T1, before COVID-19) and in 2020 (T2, during COVID-19). CIDI-3.0 was used to diagnose MDD. Random effects logistic models of panel data analysis were used for the risk of MDD incidence. STATA 15.1 was used for all analysis. ResultsThe weighted 12-month prevalence of MDD at T2 (2.10%) was significantly lower than that at T1 (2.67%) (p < 0.001). However, among students who reported exposure to the COVID-19 events, the annual prevalence of MDD at T2 was higher than that at T1 (4.21% vs. 2.79%, p < 0.001). The incidence from T0 to T1, incidence from T1 to T2, and the 2-year incidence was 2.23%, 1.34% and 3.75%, respectively. Only 8.93% of MDD students had chosen to seek professional help during the COVID-19 pandemic period. LimitationsThe computer assisted CIDI may not be as sensitive and specific as the diagnosis made by a psychiatrist and may have caused report bias. ConclusionsAlthough the MDD incidence of college students was decreasing over time, the impact of the pandemic on student mental health may depend on exposure to COVID-19 events. Not seeking professional help in the Chinese college students is still an important issue.