Determinants of Depression Among Higher Secondary Students of Private Schools of Science Stream in an Urban Area of Western India.

Background: Depression, due to its devastating consequences, emerged as the third leading cause of mortality among adolescent school-going children. This necessitates research on determinants of depression among students for effective management. The present study evaluated the various determinants associated with depression among the science students of a private school in Rajkot city, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among the 1219 students of a private school of science stream in Rajkot city, adopting multistage sampling methods. Students were screened using Patient Health questionnaire-9 (modified for teens) for depression. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess the determinants associated with depression. Binary logistic regression analysis was done to find out predictors of depression. Results: About 31.99% of students were found suffering from depression. Physical illness, academic performance, substance abuse, feeling study tough, difficulties in transport, food, monetary and accommodation at a hostel or home, pressure from parents for study, physical activities, sleep disturbance, and bad relations with teachers and classmates were significantly associated with depression. While parental education, physical illness, addiction to any substance, and academic performance emerged only as a predictor of depression. Conclusion: The present study showed a significant proportion of students suffering from depressive symptoms and revealed predictors of depression among the students. These required integrated efforts to minimize the risk of depression among the students.

Depression among higher secondary students of science stream of private schools of Rajkot.

Background: Depression with the magnitude of 8 - 20% emerged as major mental health morbidity among adolescents due to its devastating consequences of suicidal tendencies, academic failure, poor social relationships, and substance abuse. The current study was carried out to estimate the magnitude of depression among the students of private higher secondary schools of science stream in Rajkot city, Gujarat. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the 1219 students of 11th and 12th standards of private schools of science stream in Rajkot city using a multistage sampling method. Students were screened using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for Depression and categorized into no depression, mild, moderately severe and severe depression. Epi Info software version 7.1.5.2. from CDC, Atlanta, USA was used to analyze the data. Results: One-third (31.99%) of students had depression followed by Dysthymia (20.59%) and Suicidal risk in 1.64% of students. The prevalence of depression was higher in female students (37.28%) than males. Students of 12th standard (38.06%) were more depressed than 11th standard (25.98). The suicidal risk was found more among the students of 12th standard (2.47%) compared to 11th standard (0.82). The prevalence of Depression, Dysthymia and Suicidal risk were more in Muslim students than Hindus. According to severity, female students (13.98%), 12th standard students (11.53%), Muslim (19.73%) and students residing at a hostel (12.12%) were more depressed (moderate to severe) than their counterparts. Conclusion: In the present study, a significant proportion of students were found suffering from depression.