The relationship between depression and alcohol use among the Wa ethnic minority in China

Background Alcohol use and depression often co-occur; however, little is known about this association with specific ethnic groups. This study aimed to explore the relationship between alcohol use and depression in the Wa ethnic group in China. Methods A stage sampling method was utilized to survey respondents from the Wa ethnic group, who have transitioned rapidly from traditional slash-and-burn cultivation to modern societies. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess their alcohol use and depressive symptoms, respectively. Data were analyzed using generalized additive models and a two-segment logistic regression. Results Among the 668 participants, 48.98% (337/668) were current drinkers. Low-risk, high-risk, and probable alcohol-dependence drinkers accounted for 21.4%, 25.4%, and 2.7% of the sample, respectively. Generalized additive models revealed a non-linear association between AUDIT scores and depressive symptoms, with a statistically significant non-linearity (P < 0.001). A-segment logistic regression identified a critical point at an AUDIT of 15. this threshold, each increase in AUDIT score led to a notable 43% increase in the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms (OR = 143, 95 CI: 119,1.72, < 0.). while, on the lower end of the threshold, there was no significant association between the AUDIT score and depressive symptoms observed (OR 0.98 95% CI 0.90, 1.05, P = 0.53). Conclusion A non-linear relationship between alcohol use and depression was identified in the Wa ethnic group, suggesting a threshold effect. Screening for alcohol use could help identify individuals at risk of depression in ethnic populations.