More than 55,000 residents estimated to battle depression yearly in Hong Kong: study

A university study in Hong Kong has projected that more than 55,000 residents will suffer from depression annually until 2032, bringing the average yearly cost of associated healthcare to around HK$2.51 billion (US$322 million).

Researchers from University of Hong Kong who conducted the study said on Monday that the city’s burden of depression could be persistent and called for measures to cope with the issue.

“The findings highlight the urgent need for proactive mental health strategies, as Hong Kong faces a decade of heightened depression-related challenges,” said Professor Shirley Li Xue, an assistant professor from HKU’s department of medicine.

“Policymakers should anticipate a persistent burden of depression and undertake budget planning for vulnerable groups, including adolescents and people living with medical conditions,” Li, who led the study, said.

The study projected that between 55,849 and 57,896 people were expected to live with depression annually from 2023 to 2032, with healthcare costs amounting to an average of HK$2.51 billion per year, including HK$473.5 million for psychiatric care.

The figures were consistent with the growing number of patients with depression in Hong Kong’s public healthcare system.