COVID-19 pandemic and mental health status of United States of America adolescents with a past-year major depressive episode

BACKGROUND: Although the COVID-19 pandemic's negative impact on mental health has been well established, more research is needed to better understand the vulnerability of certain populations. AIM: This study compared the perceived negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health between United States of America (USA) adolescents with and without a past-year major depressive episode (MDE). Additionally, we examined factors associated with higher perceived negative impact among those with a past-year MDE. METHOD: = 25 675). The prevalence of the perceived negative impact of COVID-19 on mental health was assessed between groups. Adjusted logistic regression was then conducted to examine factors associated with higher perceived negative impact among adolescents with past-year MDE. RESULTS: USA adolescents with past-year MDE were significantly more likely to report higher perceived negative impact than those without an MDE (41% vs. 10.3%). Among adolescents with past-year MDE, females, older adolescents, and individuals from higher household income levels were more likely to report higher perceived negative impact than their respective counterparts. Additionally, financial worries due to COVID-19 were a significant predictor, showing a positive association with higher perceived negative impact. DISCUSSION: It is crucial to implement targeted interventions for high-risk subgroups of adolescents with a mental health condition to address their unique needs and mitigate the pandemic's lasting effects on mental health.