BACKGROUND
To address the global health challenge posed by Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) linked to adverse life experiences (ALEs)
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the temporal trends, geographical distribution, and future projections of MDD burden associated with ALEs in 204 countries and territories, informing healthcare planning and nursing education.
METHODS
This study analyzed global data from 1990-2021, examining three primary ALEs: childhood sexual abuse, bullying victimization, and intimate partner violence. We employed descriptive statistics, age-period-cohort modeling (APCM), and Bayesian analysis to assess temporal trends and project future burden. The analysis included calculation of Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), age-standardized death rates (ASDR), and population attributable fractions (PAF).
RESULTS
The global age-standardized rates in 2021 were 6.32% for childhood sexual abuse, 7.96% for bullying victimization, and 21.99% for intimate partner violence. From 1990 to 2021, DALYs associated with intimate partner violence showed the most substantial increase (83%). ASDR rates increased significantly for MDD linked to bullying victimization (22%) and intimate partner violence (9%). Geographical analysis revealed significant variations, with some countries showing marked decreases (e.g., Singapore, China) while others demonstrated notable increases (e.g., United States, Norway) in MDD burden. APCM analysis identified peak DALYs rates at age 42 for childhood sexual abuse-related MDD and age 50 for intimate partner violence-related MDD. Projections through 2046 indicate a continued upward trend in MDD burden, with intimate partner violence-related cases expected to increase by 17.98%.
CONCLUSIONS
The study described temporal patterns of ALEs related MDD from 1990 to 2021, and predicted the DALYs numbers in the next 25 years. These findings have important implications for healthcare planning and nursing education, suggesting the need for targeted interventions and enhanced mental health services.
