Characteristics of depressive symptoms and related factors in Chinese veterans

Abstract

Objective To investigate the characteristics of depressive symptoms and related factors in Chinese veterans. Methods A total of 2 400 veterans were selected by stratified sampling and convenient sampling from 12 cities in Chinese 3 economic belts. Self-designed general questionnaire and Patients' Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to investigate their depressive symptoms. Nonparametric test, Pearson Chi-square test and Binary logistic regression analysis were employed to conduct statistical analysis. Results ① The incidence of depression was 39.0% in the subjected Chinese veterans, with mild depression accounting for 22.1%, moderate depression for 8.5%, and severe depression for 8.3%. ②The incidence and score of depressive symptoms were higher in female, living in urban, younger than 25 years and with illness than the male, living in rural areas and healthy participants (P 7 400~16 000 Yuan (P 7 400~14 000 Yuan and >25 000~39 000 Yuan were protective factors (P < 0.05). Conclusion The incidence of depression in Chinese veterans is affected by demographic factors (sex, age and marital status) and military serving experience (years of service and military occupation). Special attention should be paid to those with demobilization and collective ex-servicemen.

Keywords

• veteran
• depression
• influencing factor