Журнал депрессии и тревоги
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Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors Among Youth Attending Public High School in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Debela Tarecha1*, Hunde Tarafa1, Gizachew Asnake2, Tesfa Mekonen2,3,4, Gebiso Roba5

Background: Depression is the most prevalent mental disorder in youth that leads to educational impairment, substance use problems, and suicidal attempts. The aim of this study was to assess depressive symptoms and associated factors among youth attending public high school in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2021 at Bahir Dar City public high schools. Data were collected from 752 participants using a self-administered questionnaire. Participants were selected using the multistage sampling method. A Patient Health Questionnaire 9 Modified for Adolescents (PHQ-9A) was used to measure depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Factor associated with depressive symptoms were identified using logistic regression analysis. Variables with a P-value of 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was found to be 19.8% (CI=17.2, 22.4). Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with female sex (AOR=2.38, 95% CI=1.55-3.65), poor social support (AOR=1.83, 95% CI=1.02-2.74), childhood abuse (AOR=2.08, 95% CI=1.31-3.30) and neglect (AOR=2.71, 95% CI=1.65-4.44), and mother’s occupation being merchant (AOR=0.37 CI=0.15-0.94).

Conclusion: One in five youth attending public high school reported having depressive symptoms. Schools need to institute routine mental health screening services and implement appropriate interventions to initiate and improve access to school-based mental health services, particularly for female students.