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영어

Purpose: Mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder are a major mental health problem in college students. We investigate the prevalence of depression and bipolar disorder and the relevance of risk factors for these mood disorders among one college freshmen. Methods: The subjects were 2,865 college students who entered one university located in Seoul and Ansung in 2009. We used BDI (Beck Depression Inventory) for depression assessment and K-MDQ (Mood Disorder Questionnaire) for bipolar disorder assessment. Demographic and socioeconomic factors were measured by questionnaire. Height, weight, blood pressure, total cholesterol, complete blood cell count, and liver function test data were obtained by physical examination for freshmen. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were performed to analyze the possible risk factors for depression and bipolar disorder. Results: With different BDI cutoff value, 16 and 21, the prevalence of depression was 8.7% (male: 7.6%, female: 10.1%) and 2.4% (male: 2.5%, female: 2.3%), separately. 'Low economic status', 'urban birth place', and 'low grade at entrance' were significantly associated with depression. Using the original cutoff criterion, defined as clustering of 7 or more symptoms that caused moderate or severe problems, the prevalence of bipolar disorder was 1.3% (male: 1.4%, female: 1.1%). The risk factor of bipolar disorder was academic fields (art fields). Conclusion: Depression and bipolar disorder are common disease in college freshmen. Therefore, Campus-based mental health service program is needed to help with prevention of and early intervention of these mood disorders.