Prevalence Of Depressive Symptoms Research Articles

Prevalence and risk factors of postpartum depressive symptoms at 42 days among 2462 women in China

BackgroundPostpartum depression is a common and serious mental health problem that is affecting an increasing percentage of the world's population. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms in Beijing, China, during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify several potential risk factors. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional observational study conducted at Peking University First Hospital from 2020 to 2021. Women who delivered and had postpartum reviews at 42 days after delivery were invited to complete the Chinese version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) under the guidance of trained nurses. A score of ≥10 was used as the threshold of postpartum depression. t-tests, chi-square tests or Mann–Whitney U tests were applied. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the risk factors for postpartum depressive symptoms. ResultsA total of 2462 mothers were included in this study, 20.2 % of whom were considered to have postpartum depressive symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that formula feeding (OR = 2.219, 95 % CI: 1.300–3.786, P = 0.013), preterm birth (OR = 1.619, 95 % CI: 1.108–2.367, P = 0.013), cervical insufficiency (OR 3.022, 95 % CI: 1.200–7.615, P = 0.019) and history of depression (OR = 6.519, 95 % CI: 1.537–27.659, P = 0.011) were associated with a high prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms. ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms in developed regions of China during the COVID-19 pandemic. More attention should be given to mothers with risk factors for PPD, and follow-up care is needed.

Health behaviors and depressive symptoms in Peruvian adults: A national survey analysis

BackgroundHealth behaviors, such as inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol abuse, and smoking, can impact mental health. This study aimed to assess the association between these behaviors and depressive symptoms in Peruvian adults. MethodsWe conducted a secondary data analysis of the 2019 Peruvian Demographic Health Survey (ENDES). The outcome was the presence of depressive symptoms using the PHQ-9, while exposure variables were inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol abuse, and smoking. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI). ResultsA total of 30,449 individuals were analyzed. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 6.8 %. In the adjusted analysis, alcohol abuse (aOR: 1.88; 95 % CI: 1.36 – 2.61) and daily smoking (aOR: 2.69; 95 % CI: 1.69 – 4.30) were associated with higher odds of experiencing depressive symptoms. When stratifying by sex, we obtained similar results. ConclusionAlcohol abuse and smoking were associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms in Peruvian adults. These findings support the promotion of healthy behaviors to improve mental health.

A Systematic Review of the Spectrum and Prevalence of Non-motor Symptoms in Multiple System Atrophy.

Patients with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) frequently report non-motor symptoms, and several research groups have highlighted this. We systematically searched for and reviewed papers assessing prevalence of non-motor symptoms (NMS) in MSA patients as reported in the scientific literature. We performed a systematic review of studies of subjects with MSA (involving > 10 patients) who were assessed for NMS, published in the English literature in PUBMED and EMBASE databases from 1947-2022. 23 research papers, with data from 2648 clinically diagnosed and 171 pathologically verified cases of MSA were included, along with 238 controls. Mean age for MSA cases was 61.3 (9.2) years, mean disease duration 3.6 (2.7) years. 57.9% were male. Our analysis showed that the prevalence of cognitive issues in MSA variedwidely (between 15-100%); dementia per se was uncommon, but assessment in advanced stagesof MSA is impacted by unintelligible speech (which may be noted in a quarter of cases). The prevalence of depressive symptoms in MSA was between 44-88%. Sleep disturbances were reported by 17-89%, with REM-sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) rates as high as 75%. Pain was reported by 40-47% of patients: rheumatic or musculoskeletal sources of pain being commonest. Fatigue was reported by 29-60%of patients. Symptoms of autonomic failure in MSA were seen in 34-96.5% patients at baseline. In routine clinical practice, NMS in MSA are under-recognised by clinicians. These impact hugely on patient quality of life and contribute to theiroverall morbidity. A methodical ascertainment of these complaints will address an unmet need, and lead to a more holisticapproach of care forindividuals with MSA.

Protective Behaviors Against COVID-19 and Related Factors in Korean Adults With Depressive Symptoms: Results From an Analysis of the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey.

This study evaluated protective behaviors against coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and related factors in individuals with depressive symptoms. This cross-sectional study included data from the 2020 Korean Community Health Survey. Depressive symptoms, COVID- 19 protection behaviors, and related factors were investigated in 228,485 people. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze categorical variables. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 27.0). In the study, 3.9% (n=8,970) had depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in individuals in their 19-39 years , and ≥60s than in those in their 40-59 years (p<0.001). Lower education level and household income were associated with a higher prevalence of depression (p<0.001). Among the various occupations, service workers had the highest prevalence of depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Individuals with depressive symptoms were less likely to adopt protective behaviors against COVID-19 (p<0.001) or exhibit concerns regarding death and economic damage (p<0.001) compared to individuals without depressive symptoms. Individuals with depressive symptoms were more likely to have unhealthy behaviors than those without depressive symptoms (p<0.001). Individuals with depressive symptoms considered that the COVID-19 response by the government and other organizations was inadequate (p<0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals with depressive symptoms faced greater challenges in adopting protective behaviors. Therefore, it is crucial to develop strategies to protect people with depressive symptoms during another pandemic in the future.

Depression and Anxiety of Portuguese University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study about Prevalence and Associated Factors

Background. The mental health of university students has worsened over time, and it is young people who have suffered the most from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of mental health. Anxiety and depression are the most common symptoms reported by university students and are often the cause of disabilities, either in academic performance or in other spheres of life. Aim. The aim of this study was to both assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in Portuguese university students and analyze the factors associated with these symptoms. Methods. A quantitative cross-sectional study with a sample of 3,399 university students from seven Portuguese higher education institutions was conducted. The following questionnaires were used: the generalized anxiety disorder assessment scale (GAD-7), the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), and a study-created sociodemographic questionnaire. The Kendall correlation coefficient, chi-square test of independence, Spearman correlation coefficient, Shapiro-Wilk test, Mann–Whitney-Wilcoxon test, and Kruskall-Wallis test were used to analyze the association between variables. The statistical analysis was done using the software R Statistics (Version 4.0.4), using a significance level of 0.05. Results. Mild to severe anxiety symptoms were reported by 75% of the participants, and 61.2% described mild to severe depressive symptoms. Of the sample, 19.5% reported a previous diagnosis of a mental disorder, with 38.7% diagnosed after the pandemic began. Additionally, 23% reported taking medication for mental health issues, and 26.7% had considered self-harm or harbored thoughts of being “better off dead.” The study found lower anxiety and depressive symptoms (p&lt;0.05) among men, students with higher socioeconomic status, those who frequently traveled home, individuals without prior mental health diagnoses, those with better academic performance, and those who avoided substances like coffee, tobacco, cannabis, and other illegal psychoactive substances. Interestingly, students in romantic relationships exhibited more anxiety symptoms (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, participants who believed they had experienced moral or sexual harassment displayed higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms (p&lt;0.001). Conclusions. There was a decrease in the mental health of university students after the pandemic compared to prepandemic studies, and the proportion of students with anxiety and depressive symptoms was alarming. There is an urgent need to implement programs in universities to promote students’ mental health.

The impact of intimate partner violence on depressive symptoms among college students: A moderated mediation model of the big five personality traits and perceived social support

BackgroundPrevious study has identified a connection between intimate partner violence (IPV) and depressive symptoms. However, the underlying mechanisms of this connection have not yet been well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of big five personality traits and perceived social support on the association between IPV and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students. MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among college students in 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, and 4 municipalities in China from June to August 2022. Intimate Partner Violence Questionnaire was used to measure the frequency of exposure to IPV. The big five personality traits were measured by 10-item Big Five Inventory, Perceptive Social Support Scale-3 items was used to estimate the degree of perceived social support and the data on depressive symptoms were collected by Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items. We used data from the “Psychology and Behavior Investigation of Chinese Residents in 2022”, which includes 6686 valid questionnaires of college students. The PROCESS macro developed by Hayes was utilized to perform moderated mediation analysis. ResultsAmong college students, IPV had a significant direct impact on depressive symptoms. Extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness and neuroticism mediated the association between IPV and depressive symptoms (β = −0.08, P < 0.001; β = −0.08, P < 0.001; β = −0.14, P < 0.001; β = 0.20, P < 0.001). Perceived social support significantly moderated the mediating role of the big five personality traits between IPV and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, perceived social support moderated the direct relationship between IPV and depressive symptoms (β = 0.34, P < 0.001), as well as the indirect path of extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism and the first half of the mediating role of conscientiousness. Moreover, perceived social support was one of the preventive factors that could effectively mitigate the harmful effects of IPV, neuroticism and depressive symptoms. LimitationsAs this was a cross-sectional study, we were unable to investigate causal relationships between variables. The prevalence of IPV and depressive symptoms were self-reported by the college students, and there may be reporting bias. Additionally, this study only explored the influence and mechanism from the integrated dimension of IPV and PSSS, due to spatial constraints. ConclusionsThe findings contribute to the existing understanding by clarifying the fundamental mechanisms linking IPV and depressive symptoms. These results may serve as a valuable reference for the Chinese government to improve mental health among college students.

Adolescents’ electronic devices use during the COVID-19 pandemic and its relationship to anxiety and depression levels: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among adolescent students in the West Bank region of Palestine, with a particular focus on the impact of electronic device usage on their mental well-being.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included a representative sample of 1,140 adolescents enrolled in governmental secondary schools. We targeted schools located in Nablus, Ramallah, and Hebron districts, which, respectively, represent the northern, central, and southern regions of the West Bank. We collected data on their sociodemographic characteristics, patterns of electronic device usage, scores from the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, all gathered through a self-administered online questionnaire. To explore the independent relationship between anxiety, depression, and various factors, we calculated odds ratios and their corresponding 95% CI using a binary logistic regression model.ResultsThe study revealed a prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety at 35.4% [95% CI: 32.7–38.3%] and moderate to severe depression at 23.9% [95% CI: 21.4–26.4%]. Notably, anxiety scores were significantly higher among females [OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.5–5.9], individuals with lower academic performance [OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1–5.4], and smokers [OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1-3.0]. Similarly, significantly elevated depressive scores were observed among females [OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.3–3.1], those with lower academic performance [OR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.1–5.4], and smokers [OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.3–2.8]. Conversely, students who used electronic devices for shorter durations were less likely to experience depression [OR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32–0.76] or anxiety [OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.32–0.69].ConclusionConsidering the alarming rates of anxiety and depression in adolescents, along with their connection to the time spent using electronic devices, we strongly recommend the creation of initiatives and support networks to alleviate this issue’s impact. Encouraging healthier lifestyles, such as reducing screen time and increasing physical activity, could potentially enhance the mental well-being of adolescents.

Depressive disorders in children with chronic kidney disease treated conservatively.

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience a lot of mental and emotional stress, which can lead to the development of depressive disorders. The prevalence of depressive disorders in CKD children is estimated to be between 7% and 35%. The aim of our study was to analyze the prevalence and characteristics of depression and depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with CKD treated conservatively. The cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in 73 CKD children aged 8-18 and in 92 of their parents. To assess the mental wellbeing of CKD children, Kovacs's Children's Depression Inventory 2 (CDI2) was used as CDI2: Self-Report and CDI2: Parent Form. The majority of CKD children acquired medium scores in CDI2, 11% of participants reported symptoms suggesting depressive disorder, and among them 8.2% met the criteria for depression. A significant relationship was found between age and interpersonal problems, age at CKD diagnosis, and total score and ineffectiveness, CKD duration and total score/emotional problems. Depressive symptoms were associated with the stage of CKD, and they differed significantly between stages III and IV. We noticed the child-parent disagreement on reported depressive symptoms. Parents perceive their children's mental state as worse than the children themselves. There is a problem of depression in children with CKD treated conservatively. Variables associated with depressive symptoms in CKD children treated conservatively require further study. Key factors predisposing to the development of depression seem to be age at the time of diagnosis, disease duration, and progression of CKD from stage III to IV. Disparities between depressive symptoms self-reported by CKD children and their parents' assessment require further analysis. However, these disparaties indicate that the final diagnosis of the occurrence of depressive disorders should be based on a multidimensional assessment of the patient's situation.

Prevalence of depression and clinical depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty.

The present study determines the prevalence of depression and the extent of clinical depression symptoms among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive frailty and its associated factors. A total of 755 older adults aged ≥60 years were recruited. Their cognitive performance was determined using the Clinical Dementia Rating. Fried's criteria was applied to identify physical frailty, and the Beck Depression Inventory assessed their mental states. A total of 39.2% (n = 304) of the participants were classified as cognitive frail. In this cognitive frail subpopulation, 8.6% (n = 26) had clinical depressive symptoms, which were mostly somatic such as disturbance in sleep pattern, work difficulty, fatigue, and lack of appetite. Older adults with cognitive frailty also showed significantly higher depression levels as compared with the noncognitive frail participants (t (622.06) = -3.38; P = 0.001). There are significant associations between depression among older adults with cognitive frailty and multimorbidity (P = 0.009), polypharmacy (P = 0.009), vision problems (P = 0.046), and hearing problems (P = 0.047). The likelihood of older adults with cognitive frailty who experience impairments to their vision and hearing, polypharmacy, and multimorbidity to be depressed also increased by 2, 3, 5, and 7-fold. The majority of the Malaysian community-dwelling older adults were in a good mental state. However, older adults with cognitive frailty are more susceptible to depression due to impairments to their hearing and vision, multimorbidity, and polypharmacy. As common clinical depressive symptoms among older adults with cognitive frailty are mostly somatic, it is crucial for health professionals to recognize these and not to disregard them as only physical illness. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 225-233.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms and correlates among individuals who self-reported SARS-CoV-2 infection after optimizing the COVID-19 response in China.

The burden of depression symptoms has increased among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 during COVID-19 pandemic. However, the prevalence and associated factors of depressive symptoms among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 remain uncertain after optimizing the COVID-19 response in China. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among the public from January 6 to 30, 2023, using a convenience sampling method. Sociodemographic and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors were collected. The depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the associated factors with depressive symptoms. A total of 2,726 participants completed the survey. The prevalence of depression symptoms was 35.3%. About 58% of the participants reported experiencing insufficient drug supply. More than 40% of participants reported that they had missed healthcare appointments or delayed treatment. One-third of participants responded experiencing a shortage of healthcare staff and a long waiting time during medical treatment. Logistic regression analysis revealed several factors that were associated with depression symptoms, including sleep difficulties (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.34-3.44), chronic diseases (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.64-2.82), inpatient treatment for COVID-19 (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.19-4.77), with COVID-19 symptoms more than 13 days (OR, 1.30, 95% CI 1.04-1.63), re-infection with SARS-CoV-2 (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07-2.15), and the increased in demand for healthcare services (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.08-1.61). This study reveals a moderate prevalence of depression symptoms among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. The findings underscore the importance of continued focus on depressive symptoms among vulnerable individuals, including those with sleeping difficulties, chronic diseases, and inpatient treatment for COVID-19. It is necessary to provide mental health services and psychological interventions for these vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 epidemic.

Temporal associations of BMI and glucose parameters with depressive symptoms among US adults

As the prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and depression increases, it is important to examine how their associations are changing overtime. We investigated the temporal trends in the association between depressive symptoms, body mass index (BMI) and glucose profile parameters using data from 2005 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire. A total of 32,653 participants were included. Risk of depressive symptoms increased with higher BMI (aOR = 1.586, 95 % CI [1.364, 1.843]), insulin (aOR = 1.327, 95 % CI [1.159, 1.519]), HbA1c (aOR = 1.330, 95 % CI [1.116, 1.585]), or fasting glucose (aOR = 1.565, 95 % CI [1.247, 1.964]) levels compared to those with low levels. Sex differences were found, as overweight males had lower odds of depressive symptoms compared to healthy males, while overweight and obese females had higher odds compared to healthy females. High BMI and glucose parameters were consistently associated with higher depressive symptoms prevalence over time. Temporal variations were observed in the depressive symptoms-BMI and depressive symptoms-HbA1c associations, particularly at the 2007–2008 cycle. This study provides analytic insights into population level trends concerning physical and mental health problems.

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Their Impact on Perceived Stress and Quality of Life Among Patients with Psoriasis.

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with psoriasis and the association between depressive symptoms, perceived stress level, and quality of life of the participants. Patients with psoriasis were invited to complete the Thai versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale-10, Psoriasis Disability Index, and Simplified Psoriasis Index. To identify significantly related factors of depression, the independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was performed to compare continuous variables between groups, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables between groups. The association between the severity of depression and other variables was examined using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Of the 150 participants assessed, 32 (21.3%) had depressive symptoms. Elevated stress scores, subjective psychosocial impact of psoriasis, self-perceived current severity of psoriasis, and impaired quality of life were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptom severity was determined to be positively correlated with perceived stress, quality-of-life impairment, current severity, and the psychosocial impact of psoriasis. Depressive symptoms are prevalent among patients with psoriasis. Those with high scores for perceived stress, a psychosocial impact of psoriasis, or disease severity should be evaluated for depression, as it can hamper their quality of life.

Depression and anxiety in female refugees from East Africa and the Middle East displaced to Germany: cross-sectional results of the female refugee study, taking sociodemographic and migration-related factors into account.

At the end of 2022, 108.4 million people around the world were forcibly displaced, the highest number ever recorded. Of these, 50% were women. Despite this situation, little is known about the mental health of female refugees. The first aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms among female refugees in Germany. The second aim was to examine which sociodemographic and migration-related variables have an impact on refugees' mental health, and the third aim was to assess the potential predictors of their mental health. A sample of 92 female refugees from East Africa and the Middle East living in Germany were interviewed. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25). The experience of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) was assessed using the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale (PDS) and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ). In our sample of female refugees, 65.2% reported symptoms of depression, and 60.9% reported symptoms of anxiety. Symptoms of depression or anxiety were associated with being from the Middle East, having a higher level of education, and reporting more PTEs. The multiple regression model for anxiety was able to explain 32.4% of the variance in anxiety symptoms. The findings highlight the high burden of mental health problems that female refugees bear. The identified predictors of depressive and anxiety symptoms should sensitize medical and refugee professionals to identify vulnerable individuals and groups, refer them to appropriate psychological treatment, and, where possible, modify the identified predictors.

PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS, ANXIETY, SUICIDAL IDEATION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and suicidal ideation and associated factors among higher education students. Methods: an integrative literature review was conducted. Articles retrieved from the secondary databases Virtual Health Library (VHL), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), the Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), the Online System for Search and Analysis of Medical Literature (MEDLINE), the National Library of Medicine (Pubmed) and the Scopus database were analyzed using the following descriptors: depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and students. Studies published in Portuguese, English, Spanish and that dealt directly with the subject of study were considered. Results: previous health conditions, sociodemographic and social variables, family and interpersonal relationships, and specific aspects of the undergraduate course and the institution related the prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: a significant prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety and suicidal ideation was identified, the variables associated with the outcomes analyzed are heterogeneous and identifies the need for a systematic and multifactorial action to reduce cases and satisfactorily meet demands.

The impact of isolation on comorbidity of PTSD symptoms and depression: evidence from PTRP-5-6 in China.

The Omicron pandemic struck Shanghai, China, resulting in impairments of both physical and psychological health on those patients who were confirmed and transferred to the Fangcang shelters. The way of isolation led to high risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms among the patients in Fangcang shelters. We aim to estimate the prevalence and comorbidity of PTSS and depressive symptoms in patients from China's Fangcang shelters during the epidemic. Demographic information questionnaire, the posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used in the study. The data were collected online via mobile phones during 10th April to 20th April, 2022, as part of our Psychological Trauma Recover Project-5-6 (PTRP-5-6), a longitudinal study focusing on individuals who have experienced trauma. A total of 336 subjects were included in the analysis. The results revealed (1) the prevalence of depressive symptoms, and PTSS were 30.1% (cut-off = 10) and 6% (cut-off = 33); (2) Multiple logistic regression showed that female (OR = 3.04, p < 0.05), suffering from dyspnea (OR = 5.83, p < 0.05) or gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 6.38, p < 0.05) were risk factors for PTSS; higher education level (OR = 3.27, p < 0.05) and suffering from dizziness or headache (OR = 2.46, p < 0.05) were risk factors for depressive symptoms; (3)Respectively, 85% of the patients who reported PTSS also experienced depressive symptoms, 16.8% of the patients who reported depressive symptoms presented PTSS. In the context of COVID-19, the comorbidity rate of PTSS and depressive symptoms among patients in Fangcang shelters increased with the severity of depressive symptoms.

Prevalence of depressive symptoms and association with sociodemographic factors among the general population in Serbia

Background/Aim: Depression is a growing public health concern associated with disability, decreased quality of life, increased multimorbidity, and premature mortality. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the general population of Serbia and to analyse its association with sociodemographic factors. Methods: Data from the 2019 Serbian National Health Survey was analysed (a sample of 12,406 respondents). The questionnaires used in this study were in accordance with the methodology of the European Health Interview Survey - EHIS Wave 3. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) was used to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among the population aged ? 15 years. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were implemented to assess the association of the prevalence of depressive symptoms with sociodemographic characteristics of the population. Results: The prevalence of both mild (7.5% vs. 4.4%) and moderate/severe depressive symptoms (2.6% vs. 1.5%) was higher among women than men, and continuously increased with age (13.6% of adults aged ? 65 years had mild and 5.0% moderate/severe symptoms). The highest rates of moderate/severe depressive symptoms had respondents from Vojvodina (2.7%), those who lived without a partner (2.7%), lower educated (4.4%), and poor (3.4%), with inactive employment status (3.7%) and with poor social support (6.6%). Multivariate analyses showed that the highest odds of depressive symptoms had respondents aged ? 65 years (OR=6.53; 95%CI: 6.37-6.69), in the Vojvodina region, particularly males (OR=1.96, 95%CI: 1.89-2.04), respondents who lived without a partner (OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.47-1.51), lower educated (OR=2.27; 95%CI: 2.22-2.33) and poor (OR=2.54; 95%CI: 2.49-2.58) as well as those with poor social support (OR=3.71; 95%CI: 3.64-3.77). Conclusion: The prevalence of depressive symptoms in the general population of Serbia was relatively low and requires further monitoring. Female gender, older age, living in the region of Vojvodina, life without a partner, socioeconomic disadvantages, and lack of social support were identified as the main associated factors.

The association between tobacco use and depression among medical students at King Saud University

Objective: To assess the association between tobacco use and depression among medical students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed between September, 2020 and April, 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire, distributed to 390 enrolled medical students at King Saud University. Beck&amp;apos;s Depression Inventory (BDI) instrument was used to assess depressive symptoms. Smoking status and sociodemographic details were also documented. Results: Out of 390 participants, 24.4% (n = 94) participants had depressive symptoms. Based on smoking status, majority of the study participants were non-smokers (88.9%), while only (11.1%) were current smokers, and out of non-smokers, (3.5%) were former smokers (n=12). The prevalence of depressive symptoms among smokers was 30.2% (n=13). The study showed that current smokers were 1.4 times more likely to have depressive symptoms than nonsmokers, the overall Beck&amp;apos;s depression Inventory score for all study participants was 11. Based on this, it was categorized as mild mood disturbance. However, this association was not statistically significant (p value= 0.34). Students in the first year had the highest BDI scores, and the students in the fourth year had the lowest BDI scores. Conclusion: The prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students was 24.4% (n= 94). The association between depression and smoking was not statistically significant. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to explore this association among medical students. Medical universities are encouraged to provide adequate psychosocial support for their students including culturally appropriate programs.

Prevalence and Predictors of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms among Jordanian University Students Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. University students have been particularly affected by these psychological consequences due to the pandemic and its accompanying precautions. Purpose: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among Jordanian university students amid COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Data was collected through an anonymous online survey from Jordanian university students during the period from February 2022 to May 2022. The survey included a self-reported questionnaire that is composed of sociodemographic variables and the Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Results: The mean total scores for depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were 18.91, 18.04, and 20.71, respectively, indicating the presence of these psychological issues among university students during the pandemic. Psychological problems, parents being diagnosed with mental illness, living arrangements, and academic year explained 25.6% of the variation in depression symptoms. Academic year, living arrangements, specialization, GPA, and gender accounted for 25.9% of the variation in anxiety symptoms. Parents being diagnosed with mental illness, specialization, marital status, and GPA explained 22.3% of the variation in stress symptoms. Conclusion: The findings of this study have significant implications for healthcare practice, policy development, and community engagement. Implications for Nursing: Healthcare providers, including nurses, can utilize this information to develop targeted interventions tailored to address the specific mental-health needs of university students in Jordan. Policymakers can advocate for the implementation of mental-health support services within university settings, while community organizations can collaborate with educational institutions to promote mentalhealth awareness and provide accessible resources for students. By addressing the mentalhealth challenges identified in this study, stakeholders can contribute to fostering a supportive and resilient campus environment conducive to student success and well-being. Keywords: Depression, Anxiety, Stress, COVID-19, University students, Jordan

SINTOMAS DEPRESSIVOS E FATORES ASSOCIADOS EM GESTANTES ASSISTIDAS NA ATENÇÃO PRIMÁRIA À SAÚDE

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms in pregnant women attended in primary healthcare. Method: this is an epidemiological, cross-sectional and analytical study conducted in Montes Claros, in the north of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dependent variable (depressive symptoms) and independent variables (sociodemographic characteristics, social support, obstetric characteristics, sexuality and health conditions) were collected through a questionnaire and validated scales. The collection took place between October 2018 and November 2019. Descriptive, bivariate and multiple analyzes were performed through multinomial logistics regression. Results: a sample of 1,279 pregnant women was evaluated. The estimated prevalence of moderate and serious depressive symptoms was 16.2% and 25.2%, respectively. Low social support (p&lt;0.001), low sexual performance (p = 0.002) and a high level of perceived stress (p&lt;0.001) were factors associated with moderate depressive symptoms. First gestational trimester (p = 0.006), low social support (p&lt;0.001), low sexual performance (p&lt;0.001) and a high level of perceived stress (p&lt;0.001) were factors associated with serious depressive symptoms. Conclusion: the prevalence of moderate and serious depressive symptoms in pregnant women attended in primary healthcare was considerable. Factors related to social support, gestational quarter (first quarter), sexuality and perceived stress showed association with these symptoms. Caution and the promotion of mental health is necessary for pregnant women in this scenario.

Assessment of depression in patients with open-angle glaucoma

Background/Aim. Depression can be caused by a life situation. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of glaucomatous damage on the frequency of occurrence of depression, as well as to determine the risk factors for the onset of depression in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods. The study was designed as a clinical, observational study (cross-sectional study). The research included 150 patients of both genders over the age of 40 with a confirmed diagnosis of OAG. Anamnestic and sociodemographic data were collected by a questionnaire and detailed ophthalmological examinations were performed. The Beck Depression Inventory-II scale was used as a measurement instrument to assess depression. Results. A high (51.3%) prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with OAG was confirmed. The patients who suffered from depression more often were women, people with lower monthly earnings, and lower mean deviation values of the visual field index. In patients with advanced glaucoma, a significantly higher frequency of depressive symptoms was observed. Conclusion. Due to the high prevalence of depressive symptoms, it is important to introduce a multidisciplinary approach to treatment by ophthalmologists and psychiatrists. Detecting and treating depressive symptoms at an early stage of the disease leads to a significant reduction in treatment costs and patient disability.