A Study on Prevalence and Risk Factors of Depression Among Adolescents (16-19 years) in the Urban Area of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Depression is a major contributor to sickness globally and is often associated with a decline in social, occupational, and interpersonal performance. Depression is more prevalent in young adults going through this transition since late adolescence and early adulthood are the life stages when people make significant decisions in a number of areas. Objective: This cross sectional study was done in September-November 2023 with objective to find out prevalence of depression and risk factors associated with depression among College going Adolescents [16-19 years] in the Urban area of Vizianagaram city, Andhra Pradesh. Methodology: A Semi structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio demographic characteristics. Study participants were screened using Beck’s Depression Inventory Questionnaire (BDI –II) to gather information regarding depression & its risk factors. Results: The overall prevalence of depression was found to be 58.4%; in which 117 (28%) were having mild depression, 63 (15.3%) were having severe depression and 64 (15.1%) were having moderate depression. The study showed a highly significant association between levels of depression and selected demographic variables such as Age in years, No. of persons in their family, BMI, Socio- economic status, Father’s education, Father’s occupation and Parents with any addictions. Conclusion: There is a need for college students to be educated about depression in order to improve recognition and diagnosis. Also student counselling service offering mental health assistance needs to be established at colleges.