Frequency of depression and correlates among Chinese children and adolescents living in poor areas under the background of targeted poverty alleviation: results of a survey in Weining county

Background: There is a lack of epidemiological data on depressive morbidity in children and adolescents in rural China. This study determined the frequency and correlates of depression among children and adolescents to inform family education and policymaking. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Weining County (Guizhou, China) from April 20 to May 10, 2022, using snowball sampling via WeChat-based Wenjuanxing. Depression was assessed with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; cut-off >15). Internet addiction (IA) was measured by Young's Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Correlates were examined with univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of 23,180 participants (median age 12 years, range 9–18), 8,261 (35.6%) screened positive for depression. Higher odds of depression were associated with female gender, junior middle school grade, parental absence, attending key schools or key classes, and moderate-to-severe IA; protective factors included better school record, well-educated parents, sound parental occupation, and good family/student/teacher-student relationships. Conclusions: Depression is common among school-age youth in a poor rural county despite targeted poverty alleviation. Multiple sociodemographic, educational, familial, and behavioral factors, notably IA, are associated with depressive symptoms.