Factors associated with depressive disorders in college students using quantile regression analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Public Health
• Quantitative Psychology

Background:

• Depressive disorders present a significant public health challenge among college students.
• Traditional linear regression models offer limited insights into the complex factors influencing depression.
• Quantile regression provides a more nuanced approach to understanding these complexities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the multifaceted factors associated with depressive disorders in college students.
• To apply quantile regression to analyze the relationship between depression and various psychological and social factors.
• To identify specific factors that influence different levels of depressive disorders.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 3,156 college students across six universities in China.
• Data were collected using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Interpersonal Sensitivity subscale, Positive Psychological Capital Questionnaire, and Perceived Social Support Scale.
• Quantile regression analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to examine associations at different points of the depression distribution.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of depressive disorders was 22.4% among the participants.
• Social support and psychological capital were negatively associated with depressive disorders, while interpersonal sensitivity showed a positive association.
• The strength of these associations varied across quartiles, with stronger links observed at higher levels of depression.

Conclusions:

• Interpersonal sensitivity, psychological capital, and social support are key factors influencing college students' depressive disorders.
• Higher levels of interpersonal sensitivity and lower levels of psychological capital and social support are associated with more severe depression.
• Percentile analysis using quantile regression offers valuable insights for developing targeted mental health interventions for students.