Depressive symptoms among students pursuing the general secondary education certificate examination (Tawjihi): A national study

Abstract

Unofficial reports have alerted that Tawjihi (high school) students in Jordan are experiencing high levels of depression with increasing suicidal ideations and attempts. The aims of this national study were to estimate the point prevalence of depressive symptoms among Tawjihi students in Jordan and to identify student characteristics associated with severity of depression. The study was conducted in collaboration with the Jordanian Ministry of Education. Data were collected using anonymous self-administered questionnaires. A total of 1208 Tawjihi students (51% females) completed and returned the questionnaires. About 12% reported having learning difficulties, and 3% received a psychiatric diagnosis. Almost 62% were studying 3–7 h per day, and 73% reported watching TV for less than an hour per day or not at all. Seemingly, 37% were using their mobiles for less than an hour per day or not at all. About 37% reported they were not performing any activity other than studying. About 25% of the sample reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, while 19% had mild symptoms. The most prevalent moderate to severe symptom was crying (25.5%) followed by changes in sleep pattern (23%) and self-criticalness (22.7%). Suicidal thoughts or wishes presented in almost 6% of the sample. Depressive symptoms were significantly higher among students who were females, pursuing the literacy streams, having lower Grade Point Averages (GPAs), residing with families with lower monthly incomes, residing in rural regions, reporting a learning difficulty, reporting a psychiatric diagnosis, and spending more time with their mobiles and less time on TV. With the substantial lack of primary mental health services in the country, there is a need to proactively screen all Tawjihi students in Jordan for depression. Addressing depression among Tawjihi students requires considering all individual, family, social, and contextual risk factors that may lead to the rise in depressive symptoms.