Prevalence of depression and its correlates during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-region observational study

Background: Depression is a debilitating disorder affecting individual functioning and increase the global psychiatric mortality rates. The general population nationwide is confronted by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which causes a spike downturn to individuals’ mental health. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of depression among the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling sourced from three country/regions (China, Macau, Hong Kong). An online survey was disseminated to the general population via collaborators. The 5-item World Health Organization Index was used as the outcome measurement of depression. Multivariate stepwise regression analysis was used to identify significant predictors associated with depression. Results: A total of 4,472 participants (22% male) were recruited in this study. Prevalence of depression was 33.2%. Male gender, region, working-age adults, insufficient money at disposal, future anxiety, nervousness, poor digital health literacy, headache, low mood, and difficulty in falling asleep were significantly associated with depression. Conclusions: Depression is common during the COVID-19 pandemic across the study regions. Joint international collaboration of epidemiologists, mental health experts, key stakeholders and policymakers is warranted to enable individuals with probable depression to receive accurate COVID-19 related information via mhealth e-platforms in order to promote their depression literacy and mental health, and to reduce the global rising prevalence of depression during the pandemic.