Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors Among School Adolescents of Urban, Semi-Urban and Rural Areas in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and the factors associated with this condition among urban, semi-urban and rural adolescents in the Dhaka district of Bangladesh. Methods: A cross sectional study using two stage cluster sampling procedure was performed. A self-administered questionnaire was conveyed to 2355 adolescents from nine secondary schools of Dhaka district of Bangladesh. Of the respondents, 2313 completed the nine item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Besides, sociodemographic information, self-reported body image as well as modification of Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and WHO Global PA Questionnaire (GPAQ) were used to determine the sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with depression among adolescents. Results: A total of 30.1% adolescents were found to be suffering from moderate to severely severe depression symptoms. Female (60.8%) were found suffering significantly more than male (39.2%). Sociodemographic factors, for example, residential setting and family size were found significantly associated with depression among adolescents. Adjusted estimate of logistic regression shows that physical inactivity (AOR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84), >2 hours/day screen time (AOR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.39-2.03), sleep dissatisfaction (AOR: 3.23; 95% CI: 2.64-3.96), perceiving as underweight (AOR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.70-3.13) were found to be significantly associated with depression among adolescents. Conclusions: Among urban, semi-urban and rural school adolescents in Dhaka, Bangladesh, depression is quite prevalent. To lessen the spread of depression among Bangladeshi adolescents, urgent steps should therefore be taken. Funding Statement: This study was funded by Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh. Declaration of Interests: The authors declare that they have no complicit of interest. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethical approval was taken from Institutional Review Board, Jahangirnagar University (Ref No: BBEC, JU/ M/ 2019 (8) 3). Besides, all participants read, understood and signed a written consent form at the time of survey data collection.