Sex-specific interplay of combined lifestyle patterns and their association with depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescents: a school-based cross-sectional study - Report - MDSpire

Sex-specific interplay of combined lifestyle patterns and their association with depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescents: a school-based cross-sectional study

  • By

  • Lin, Yi

  • Huang, Jin-Ying

  • Hu, Zengbao

  • Rankin, Richard

  • McDonald, Stuart

  • Ding, Ke-Qin

  • Gong, Qing qing

  • Bian, Guo-Lin

  • April 23, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Gender-specific interactions of integrated lifestyle habits

Overview

This study investigates the relationship between lifestyle habits and depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents, highlighting significant gender differences. Findings indicate that specific combinations of lifestyle behaviors are associated with varying odds of depressive symptoms among boys and girls.

Background

Adolescence is a critical period for mental health, with a substantial proportion of adolescents experiencing mental disorders. Understanding the interplay between lifestyle behaviors and depressive symptoms is essential for developing effective interventions. This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding sex-specific associations in lifestyle factors and mental health outcomes.

Data Highlights

GroupPrevalence of Depressive Symptoms
Boys14.54%
Girls18.27%

Key Findings

  • The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher in girls compared to boys (18.27% vs. 14.54%, P <0.001).
  • Low sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption, excessive screen-based sedentary time (SST), and short sleep duration (SLD) were linked to higher odds of depressive symptoms.
  • High SSB consumption with appropriate SST and sufficient SLD was associated with lower risk of depressive symptoms.
  • Gender-specific patterns were observed, with different associations for boys and girls regarding lifestyle combinations and depressive symptoms.
  • Adjusted odds ratios indicated that specific lifestyle combinations had varying impacts on depressive symptoms based on sex.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should consider gender differences when assessing lifestyle factors related to adolescent mental health. Tailored interventions that promote healthy lifestyle behaviors could be beneficial in reducing depressive symptoms among adolescents.

Conclusion

The findings underscore the importance of addressing lifestyle habits in a gender-sensitive manner to effectively support adolescent mental health. Future health strategies should incorporate these insights to enhance mental well-being in school settings.

Related Resources & Content

  1. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- The association between positive school climate and school identification and probable depression among Chinese adolescents: serial mediation mechanisms via resilience, mindfulness, and loneliness
  2. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Risk and protective factors associated with depressive symptoms among school-going adolescents in Malaysia: a cross‑sectional study
  3. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Symptoms of Depression and Mobile Phone Dependency in Chinese Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder: The Role of Alexithymia as a Mediator
  4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Exploring Adolescent Depression, Anxiety, and Stress: A Latent Profile Analysis of Contributing Factors
  5. Preventive Care/Periodicity Schedule, AAP -- Guidelines for adolescent depression screening
  6. Comparative effects of exercise type and dose on depression in children and adolescents: a network meta-analysis - PubMed, 2025
  7. Nonlinear dose-response relationships between screen time–based sedentary behavior and depression in adolescents: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis - ScienceDirect
  8. Preventive Care/Periodicity Schedule
  9. Comparative effects of exercise type and dose on depression in children and adolescents: a network meta-analysis - PubMed
  10. Nonlinear dose-response relationships between screen time–based sedentary behavior and depression in adolescents: a systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis - ScienceDirect

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