Distinct and shared risk factors for mood, anxiety and comorbid disorders among Canadians: evidence from the 2019–2020 Canadian Community Health Survey

Introduction Mood and anxiety disorders frequently co-occur, but few studies have differentiated their unique and shared risk factors. This study examines factors associated with mood disorders alone, anxiety disorders alone and comorbid mood and anxiety disorders among Canadians using 2019–2020 Canadian Community Health Survey data. Methods The analytic sample included 107 859 respondents, weighted to represent the Canadian population. Multinomial logistic regression with survey and bootstrap weights estimated adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRRs) for sociodemographic, socioeconomic, health-related and psychosocial factors. Results Prevalence was 4.17% for mood disorders alone, 4.99% for anxiety disorders alone and 4.85% for comorbid mood and anxiety disorders. Females had significantly higher risks across all categories (comorbidity aRRR = 2.284; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.951–2.673). Younger adults (18–34 years) had greater risks for anxiety disorders alone (aRRR = 3.036; 95% CI: 2.441–3.776) and comorbid disorders (9.311; 7.134–12.153) compared with those aged 65 years and older. Lower household income and poor perceived health were consistently associated with increased risks, with comorbid disorders showing the strongest associations (poor perceived health aRRR = 14.688; 95% CI: 9.908–21.775). Psychosocial factors, including low life satisfaction and a weak sense of community belonging, were also linked to higher risks, particularly for comorbid disorders. Conclusion Distinct and overlapping factors contribute to mood and/or anxiety disorders. Targeted prevention and intervention efforts addressing health status, socioeconomic disadvantage and psychosocial stressors—especially among younger people and females—are critical to reducing the burden of these mental health conditions in Canada.