Depression and PTSD during Major Social Unrest in Hong Kong1
Since June, 2019, Hong Kong has experienced an increasingly violent social unrest. A population-based prospective cohort assessed the associated mental health burden, risk factors and health-care needs. Probable depression was reported by 11.2% of participants in 2019, compared with 1.9% during 2009-14 and 6.5% in 2017 after the Occupy Central Movement. Age, sex, educational attainment, or household income were not associated with either of the outcomes, whereas heavy social media use of ≥2 hours per day was associated with both. Despite Hong Kong being known for having the longest life expectancy in the world, a major mental health burden was identified during the social unrest since last year. As a result, an increase in service planning to better protect population mental health globally is required.
References
1. Ni MY, et al. Lancet 2020;395:273-284.
