Prevalence,correlates,and network analysis of depression and anxiety among military personnel in dispersed remote areas

YANG Mengyuan; WANG Yifei; PU Zhaojun; ZHANG Yuanbei; LI Yijun; REN Lei; WANG Xiuchao; LIU Xufeng; WU Shengjun

doi:10.13276/j.issn.2097-1656.2024.09.006

Abstract：Objective To investigate the levels of depression and anxiety and their significant influencing factors among military personal in dispersed remote areas,so as to provide support for later psychological interventions.Methods The research was conducted in areas that met the definition of dispersed remote areas,and 362 valid questionnaires were obtained,while 459 valid questionnaires were collected from troops in Beijing area as the control group.We compared the demographic variables and mental health status of dispersed remote troops and control group,and further used multiple regression analysis and network analysis to explore the complex relationships between depression,anxiety and related factors among military personal in dispersed remote areas.Results The prevalence of depression was 34.3%and that of anxiety was 14.9%in the dispersed remote troops.Military personal in dispersed remote areas had significantly higher scores on depression,anxiety,stress and boredom tendencies,and significantly lower scores on cognitive reappraisal and social support than those of the control group.Only children and those with physical diseases had significantly higher depression and anxiety scores.Excessive perceived stress and boredom tendencies were risk factors for depression and anxiety,while social support was a protective factor.The results of network analysis further explored the relationships between variables and revealed the specific roles of expressive suppression and cognitive reappraisal in the network.Conclusion More attention should be paid to the only children and those with physical diseases among military personnel in dispersed remote areas.Excessive stress,boredom tendencies and expressive suppression may have a negative impact on mental health,while social support and cognitive reappraisal may be effective protective strategies.