AUTHOR=Chen Wenjia , Bai Jianfei , Niu Haitao , Zhu Qingying , Zhao Xiuhan , Dong Yanyu 

TITLE=Multidimensional factors of depressive symptoms among Chinese undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study using binary logistic regression

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1546197

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1546197

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=IntroductionThis cross-sectional study investigates the interplay of lifestyle, behavioral, and psychosocial factors in predicting depressive symptoms among Chinese college students (N=508) using binary logistic regression.MethodsParticipants were recruited from four geographically diverse provinces (Eastern: Shandong; Western: Shaanxi, Sichuan; Southern: Hainan) across 8 universities (5 comprehensive universities, 3 specialized institutions), with balanced urban (n=245, 48.22%) and rural (n=263, 51.78%) representation. Standardized scales assessed depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), perceived stress (PSS), academic procrastination (PASS), physical activity (PARS-3), cyberbullying victimization (CVQ), and alcohol use (AUDIT).ResultsResults revealed significant negative associations of sleep duration and physical activity with depressive symptoms (p<0.05), while academic procrastination, cyberbullying, perceived stress, and alcohol consumption showed significant positive predictive effects (p<0.01).DiscussionDespite limitations of convenience sampling and cross-sectional design, findings suggest a complex interplay of multidimensional factors in college students’ mental health. Early screening and comprehensive interventions targeting lifestyle, behavioral, and psychosocial domains are recommended. Further longitudinal and experimental studies are warranted to elucidate causal pathways and inform targeted prevention strategies in university settings.