A longitudinal analysis of the relationships among daytime dysfunction, fatigue, and depression in college students.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the longitudinal trajectory of daytime dysfunction (DD) and its relationship with fatigue by depression status in university students.

PARTICIPANTS: 243 students completed online surveys from September- December 2016.

METHODS: Surveys were conducted at three time points over a semester period: the beginning of the semester, the end of mid-term and the end of the semester.

RESULTS: Results indicated that the DD significantly increased in all students over the semester. Students with depression showed a higher initial level of DD and faster rate of change compared to those without depression. A faster rate of change of DD predicted a higher level of end-semester fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS: Depression is related to a higher initial level of DD and its faster rate change which in turn, predicted end-semester fatigue, identifying one of the possible pathways through which depression impacts the functioning and health of affected students.