COVID-19＆depression: New and detailed evidence from NHANES

This study aimed to investigate the changes in depression prevalence among American adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study design was employed. Data were acquired from three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 2017 to 2023. The 2017-2020 cycles were classified as pre-pandemic by the National Center for Health Statistics, while the 2021-2023 cycle was regarded as pandemic and post-pandemic. Adult participants aged 20 years and older with complete data from the PHQ-9 assessment were included. The prevalence of depression among American adults increased from 8.45 % pre-pandemic to 12.20 % during and after the pandemic. Stratified by age, the prevalence of depression was significantly higher during and after the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic period in 20-39 years (Prevalence: 16.56 %, P < 0.0001). Following the pandemic, the prevalence of depression among American adults has significantly increased. The most significant increase was observed in the younger age group of 20-39 years.