IJCM_341A: Prevalence Of Depression And Anxiety Among High School Adolescents Of Urban Area, Belagavi - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescence, which lasts from the ages of 10-19, is the stage of life between childhood and adulthood. Health issues like alcohol and drug use, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity are widespread among adolescents. Notably, mental health stands out as one of the most prevalent and significant concerns in this age group. Schools are beneficial in recognizing the mental health care needs of adolescents, given that a substantial amount of their time is spent at school. Hence the study was conducted in school to investigate prevalence of depression and anxiety among adolescent students. Objective: To assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety among high school adolescents and to know the determinants associated with it. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out among high school adolescent students of schools in urban area of Belagavi. After getting approval from IEC, the data was collected from 100 students using pre-designed, pretested questionnaire. And Depression and Anxiety were assessed using the Becks Depression Inventory (BDI) scale and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) respectively. Results: Depression prevalence was 45% among students, categorized as mild (23%), borderline (9%), moderate (8%), and severe (5%) based on Becks Depression Inventory. Mean BDI score was 11.31±8.40. Surprisingly, 97% had anxiety with 76% mild, 17% moderate,4% severe anxiety as per Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, with mean HAM-A score of 10.72±8.18. Most affected students were 16 years old, Class-2 socioeconomic status, Hindus, from nuclear families, residing in pucca houses, consuming mixed diet, facing learning difficulties and lacking relationship affairs. A statistically significant association existed between depression and house type, as well as history of child abuse (p<0.05). Conclusion: Almost half of high school students experience varying mental health issues. Supported counseling centers in schools, implementing periodic screening, and integrating mental health education into routine activities are crucial recommendations for reducing adolescent mental health problems.