Association between comorbid anxiety and depression symptomatology, quality of life, social support and use of mental health services in youth from Bogota, Buenos Aires, and Lima

PURPOSE: This study aimed to (1) examine the association between comorbid anxiety and depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) among adolescents and young adults and assess whether perceived social support modifies this relationship; and (2) explore the association between comorbid symptoms and use of mental health (MH) services, considering QoL as a potential effect modifier.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1816 adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years from socioeconomically disadvantaged urban areas of Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Lima. The analysis included descriptive statistics, bivariate tests, and multivariable generalised linear models to assess associations with QoL. Poisson regression models were used to examine the association with MH service use. Interaction terms were included to assess potential effect modification by social support and QoL, with all models adjusted for relevant sociodemographic and contextual confounders.

RESULTS: Comorbidity of depressive and anxiety symptoms was associated with lower QoL scores (β = -0.71; p < 0.001). Higher perceived social support was positively associated with QoL and significantly moderated the comorbidity and QoL relationship (p < 0.001). Additionally, comorbidity was linked to increased use of MH services (PR = 1.98; p < 0.001). Each QoL additional point was associated with a reduction of 25 % in MH service use (p < 0.001); but QoL did not modify the association between comorbidity and service use, despite being close to significance (p = 0.063).

DISCUSSION: Addressing both emotional symptoms and social factors is essential for improving youth well-being. Findings support strengthening social support networks and expanding access to services for vulnerable groups.