Prevalence of depression and its associated factors among rural school-going adolescents in north Karnataka: A cross-sectional study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: India has the largest adolescent population in world, yet nearly one in seven adolescents struggle with symptoms of depression. The real magnitude of this disease burden remains hidden like an ice-berg due to stigma and fear of social repercussions. This research aims to study the prevalence of depression in rural school-going adolescents and explore the associated factors for depression.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 410 rural school going adolescents aged 13-19 years in a rural area in north Karnataka. All the adolescents (13-19 years) studying in the 6 schools of the area were enumerated and included in the study. Information was obtained through in-person interviews using semi-structured questionnaires and Patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ 9). The PHQ 9 questionnaire assess depression among adolescents, which facilitates treatment referrals for adolescents with higher scores. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and also performed chi-square tests and logistic regression to explore possible associations.Results: The prevalence of depression among school going adolescents was 8.7% as assessed with PHQ- 9 questionnaire, out of which 8.3% students had mild depression, and 0.4% had moderate – moderately severe depression. On multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, it was found that determinants like students living with parents (AOR = 0.249, 95% CI: 0.071–0.868) and those students with 1-3 siblings (AOR = 0.109, 95% CI: 0.022–0.540) were found to have a protective impact against depression. Whereas, students with sleep disturbance (AOR = 13.904, 95% CI: 4.359–44.346) and those who are living in a conflicts ridden household (AOR = 11.086, 95% CI: 3.175–38.705), had statistically significant higher odds of depression.Conclusion: The study findings emphasize the need for integration of mental health screening in schools and the active provision of counselling services, training, and awareness sessions for students, parents, and teachers.
Institutions: Shri BM Patil Medical College, BLDE (Deemed to be University)
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7213647192