The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and functional constipation, and related risk factors among Chinese university students: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background Depression and anxiety disorders are prevalent mental health problems worldwide, and their prevalence in university students is of particular concern. Meanwhile, functional constipation (FC), a chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction, has a high concomitant prevalence with several mental disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and FC among university students, and to explore possible risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted online and general demographic data were collected from 12,721 university students in Jiangsu and Shandong provinces. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, anxiety symptoms were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder − 7 scale, and FC was assessed using the ROME IV. Results The prevalence of self-reported depressive, anxiety, and comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms was 16.3%, 24.9%, and 13.3%, respectively, among participating students. Furthermore, the prevalence of FC was 22%, and the prevalence among students with depressive symptoms was 1.811 times higher than among students without depressive symptoms. Female gender, parental relationships, and lower household income were significant risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students. Conclusions This study reveals a higher prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and FC among the university student population. Given these findings, it is recommended that psychological health services and support systems be strengthened, especially interventions for those at high risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms and FC.