Visual disabilities and depression/anxiety among adolescents: A nationwide cohort study

Using South Korea's National Health Insurance Service data (2010-2022), this cohort study compared the risk of depression and anxiety in adolescents with visual disabilities to matched controls, examining the effects of disability severity and duration.

The study included a cohort of adolescents aged 6-17, consisting of 1444 individuals with visual disabilities and 1444 matched controls. The risks for developing depression and anxiety were assessed using multivariable Cox regression analysis, allowing for the adjustment of covariates.

The incidence of depression was 16.62 % in adolescents with visual disabilities versus 12.12 % in matched controls, while anxiety incidence was 20.64 % versus 16.20 %. After adjustment, adolescents with visual disabilities had a higher risk of depression (adjusted Hazard Ratio [aHR]: 1.35, 95 % CI: 1.11, 1.65) and anxiety (aHR: 1.29, 95 % CI: 1.08, 1.53). Severe visual disability was associated with both conditions. A shorter disability duration (0-3 years) heightened depression risk, whereas a longer duration (≥6 years) was linked to increased anxiety risk.

Visual disability severity and duration are significant determinants of mental health in adolescents. These results highlight a critical need for proactive screening and tailored psychological support to address the specific challenges faced by this vulnerable population.