Gender difference in prevalence and network structure of subclinical Hikikomori and depression among college students.

IF 2.5 4区医学 Q2 PSYCHIATRY

International Journal of Social Psychiatry Pub Date : 2025-03-21 DOI:10.1177/00207640251325059

Wei Zhang, Meng-Yi Chen, Li-Ya A, Yuan-Yuan Jiang, Hui-Ting Huang, Shou Liu, Yi Ma, Zhaohui Su, Teris Cheung, Gabor S Ungvari, Todd Jackson, Yu-Tao Xiang

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Subclinical Hikikomori and depression are common among college students, yet gender differences in their prevalence and interrelationships are under-explored. This study evaluated gender differences in prevalence and symptom networks of these disturbances.

Methods: A large-scale, multi-center study was conducted across Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Guangdong provinces, China between September and December 2023. Subclinical Hikikomori and depression were assessed with the 1-month 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-25M) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), respectively. Gender differences in prevalence were tested with univariate analyses, while network analyses assessed symptom structures within each gender. Expected Influence (EI) identified the most central symptoms, with higher EI indicating greater impact. Bridge EI identified specific symptoms that linked Hikikomori and depression symptom communities.

Results: Among 6,222 college students, no significant gender differences were found in the prevalence of subclinical Hikikomori (males: 11.4% and females: 13.3%) or depression (males: 19.1% and females: 18.3%). Network analysis revealed 'I avoid talking with other people' (HQ18) as the most central symptom for both males (EI = 1.60) and females (EI = 1.73), followed by 'It is hard for me to join in groups' (HQ13, EI = 1.442) and 'I have little contact with other people' (HQ19, EI = 1.437) in males, and followed by 'Loss of energy' (PHQ4, EI = 1.17) and 'I have little contact with other people' (HQ19, EI = 1.09) in females. The key bridge symptoms were identified as 'Guilt feelings' (PHQ6) for males (Bridge EI = 0.14) and 'Suicidal ideation' (PHQ9) for females (Bridge EI = 0.13). Significant overall gender differences in networks were observed (M = 0.12, p = .01).

Conclusion: Depression and subclinical Hikikomori are common among Chinese college students although we observed no significant gender differences in its prevalence. The most influential central and bridge symptoms from network models are viable targets for intervention for both genders.

查看原文本刊更多论文

大学生亚临床隐蔽青年和抑郁症患病率及网络结构的性别差异。

背景：亚临床隐蔽青年和抑郁症在大学生中很常见，但其患病率和相互关系的性别差异尚不清楚。本研究评估了这些障碍的患病率和症状网络的性别差异。方法：于2023年9月至12月在中国新疆、青海和广东进行了一项大规模、多中心的研究。分别采用为期1个月的25项“隐蔽青年问卷”（HQ-25M）和“患者健康问卷-9”（PHQ-9）对亚临床隐蔽青年和抑郁进行评估。用单变量分析测试患病率的性别差异，而网络分析评估每个性别的症状结构。预期影响（EI）确定了最核心的症状，EI越高表明影响越大。Bridge EI确定了与“隐蔽青年”群体和抑郁症状群体相关的特定症状。结果：6222名大学生中，亚临床隐蔽青年症患病率（男11.4%，女13.3%）和抑郁症患病率（男19.1%，女18.3%）的性别差异不显著。网络分析显示，男性（EI = 1.60）和女性（EI = 1.73）的最主要症状是“我避免与他人交谈”（HQ18），其次是男性“我很难加入群体”（HQ13, EI = 1.442）和“我很少与他人接触”（HQ19, EI = 1.437），其次是女性“精力不足”（PHQ4, EI = 1.17）和“我很少与他人接触”（HQ19, EI = 1.09）。男性的主要桥症状为“负罪感”（PHQ6）（bridge EI = 0.14），女性的主要桥症状为“自杀意念”（PHQ9）（bridge EI = 0.13）。在网络中观察到显著的总体性别差异（M = 0.12, p = 0.01）。结论：抑郁症和亚临床“隐蔽青年”在中国大学生中普遍存在，但性别差异不显著。网络模型中最具影响力的中心症状和桥梁症状是男女干预的可行目标。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

International Journal of Social Psychiatry PSYCHIATRY-

CiteScore

12.30

自引率

1.30%

发文量

120

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Social Psychiatry, established in 1954, is a leading publication dedicated to the field of social psychiatry. It serves as a platform for the exchange of research findings and discussions on the influence of social, environmental, and cultural factors on mental health and well-being. The journal is particularly relevant to psychiatrists and multidisciplinary professionals globally who are interested in understanding the broader context of psychiatric disorders and their impact on individuals and communities. Social psychiatry, as a discipline, focuses on the origins and outcomes of mental health issues within a social framework, recognizing the interplay between societal structures and individual mental health. The journal draws connections with related fields such as social anthropology, cultural psychiatry, and sociology, and is influenced by the latest developments in these areas. The journal also places a special emphasis on fast-track publication for brief communications, ensuring that timely and significant research can be disseminated quickly. Additionally, it strives to reflect its international readership by publishing state-of-the-art reviews from various regions around the world, showcasing the diverse practices and perspectives within the psychiatric disciplines. This approach not only contributes to the scientific understanding of social psychiatry but also supports the global exchange of knowledge and best practices in mental health care.