In 2022, these students were the most depressed. In 2023, their depression got better — but by 2024, it got worse again, almost back to where it started.
Scientific Claim
Depression severity among Ukrainian female university students was significantly higher in 2022 and 2024 than in 2023, with a 23.9% reduction in mean PHQ-9 scores from 2022 to 2023 followed by a rebound in 2024.
Original Statement
“One-way ANOVA shows a significant difference in PHQ-9 scores associated with survey periods T1…T3 (F(2,2,772) = 23.924, p < .001, partial η2 = .017).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study uses repeated cross-sectional data to describe group-level changes over time. The language 'associated with' and reporting of ANOVA results appropriately reflect association, not causation.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Mental health and well-being among Ukrainian female university students: The impact of war over 3 years
The study found that Ukrainian female students felt less depressed in 2023 than in 2022, but their depression came back in 2024, which matches the claim.