高原之上的忧郁：海拔高度与抑郁风险的关系

Research on the connection between altitude and depression in China remains scarce, despite the countrys extensive plateau regions. While the impact of altitude on physical health is well-documented, existing studies largely focus on social adaptation or physical well-being, leaving the relationship between altitude and depression underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining how altitude affects depression among Chinese residents.<br />Data from various sources, including the 2016-2020 China Family Panel Studies, the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, the 2016 survey on physical and mental health in Yushu, and statistics from the China Urban Statistical Yearbook and China Statistical Yearbook, were drawn. The study employs several statistical techniques. These include multilevel linear models, mediation models, and epidemiological case-control methods. The results revealed a significant positive association between altitude and depression, even when personal factors such as age, gender, education, and chronic illness were controlled for, along with regional factors such as temperature, PM2.5 concentration, per capita GDP, and hospital bed availability. Notably, per capita GDP and C-reactive protein levels mediate this relationship. The depression risks for individuals living at altitudes of 500-1,000 meters, 1,000-2,000 meters, and 4,000-6,000 meters are 1.53-1.79 times, 1.67-2.25 times, and 9 times higher, respectively, compared to those living below 500 meters.<br />The study also revealed age-specific variations in depression risk. Middle-aged and elderly individuals living at altitudes between 500-2,000 meters are more vulnerable to depression than younger populations. In contrast, young people residing at altitudes of 4,000-6,000 meters face a higher risk of depression than their older counterparts. These findings highlight the diverse impacts of altitude on depression risk across different age groups.<br />In conclusion, this study underscores altitude as a significant risk factor for depression among Chinese residents, calling for targeted mental health interventions that consider both age groups and altitude levels. It also challenges the traditional view of age and mental health, suggesting that both individual and environmental factors should be considered in mental health prevention and intervention strategies.