Depressive symptoms and socio-demographic correlates among adolescents in Kampala: a cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 008124632110498
Author(s):  
James Roger Nsereko ◽  
Emily Claire Garman ◽  
Rizwana Roomaney

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in secondary school students in Kampala, Uganda, and assess associations with demographic characteristics and living arrangements. In this cross-sectional study, 14- to 17-year-olds were recruited from six randomly selected schools in Kampala. Participants completed a questionnaire, covering demographic questions and the affective problems subscale of the Youth Self-Report (YSR) – a depression screening tool for minors. Scores range from 0 to 26; a minimum score of 9 and 8 for female and male participants, respectively, suggests depressive symptoms in the clinical range, according to standard (non-local) norms. Unadjusted logistic regressions were used to assess demographic (e.g., age, gender, religion, parental education) and family-related characteristics (e.g., living arrangements, household size) associated with symptoms of depression in the clinical range. In total, 503 participants were recruited, of which 26.6% had depressive symptoms in the clinical range (female: 32.5%, male: 18.1%; risk ratio [RR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.28, 2.51]). Those who reported living with only one parent (RR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.14, 2.30]) or another family member/friend (RR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.14, 2.30]) were at increased risk of depressive symptoms above clinical threshold compared with participants living with both parents. A quarter of urban low-risk school-going adolescents had depressive symptoms in the clinical range in Kampala; girls and adolescents not living with their parents were particularly vulnerable. It recommended that school staff be equipped with skills to identify students who may be at risk for depression and make appropriate referrals.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julien Fakhoury ◽  
Claudine Burton-Jeangros ◽  
Liala Consoli ◽  
Aline Duvoisin ◽  
Delphine Courvoisier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Undocumented migrants live and work in precarious conditions. Few studies have explored the mental health consequences of such environment. The objective of this study is to describe the mental health of migrants at different stages of a regularization program. Methods This cross-sectional study included migrants undocumented or in the process of regularization. We screened for symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance using validated tools. We created a composite outcome of altered mental health including these components plus self-report of a recent diagnosis of mental health condition by a health professional. Results We enrolled 456 participants of whom 246 (53.9%) were undocumented. They were predominantly women (71.9%) with a median age of 43.3 (interquartile range: 15.5) years, from Latin America (63.6%) or Asia (20.2%) who had lived in Switzerland for 12 (IQR: 7) years. Overall, 57.2% presented symptoms of altered mental health. Prevalence of symptoms of anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance were 36% (95% confidence interval: 31.6–40.6%), 45.4% (95% CI: 40.8–50.1%) and 23% (95% CI: 19.2–27.2), respectively. Younger age (adjusted odd ratio: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5–0.9 for each additional decade), social isolation (aOR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.4–4.2), exposure to abuse (aOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1–3.5), financial instability (aOR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4–3.7) and multi-morbidity (aOR: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.7–6.5) were associated with increased risk of having altered mental health while being in the early stages of the process of regularization had no effect (aOR: 1.3: 95% CI: 0.8–2.2). Conclusions This study highlights the need for multi-pronged social and health interventions addressing the various domains of undocumented migrants living difficulties as complement to legal status regularization policies. Protection against unfair working conditions and abuse, access to adequate housing, promoting social integration and preventive interventions to tackle the early occurrence of chronic diseases may all contribute to reduce the burden of altered mental health in this group. More research is needed to assess the long-term impact of legal status regularization on mental health.


2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. e31.1-e31
Author(s):  
T Samuel ◽  
K Aquilina ◽  
W Dawes

ObjectivesTo investigate the current understanding parents have of concussion in their rugby-playing children aged 9–17.DesignCross-sectional studySubjects86 parents from four clubs completed an online questionnaireMethodsAreas covered (1) Parental experience of concussion (2) Rate of viewing of the RFU concussion educational video (RFUCEV), (3) Identification of symptoms of concussion (4) Understanding of the risk of concussion. Each participant was given a composite score, out of 19, based on their performance in symptom identification and true/false questions. Independent-sample two-tailed t-tests were conducted to analyse scores, primarily controlling for viewing of the RFUCEVResultsThere was a significant difference in the scores between the group that had viewed the RFUCEV (n=32, M=14.75, SD=2.55) and those who had not (n=54, M=13.05, SD=2.87); t(84)=2.75, p=0.00721. Additionally, over 25% of parents reported that their child had suffered a concussion, and this was also found to significantly improve the awareness score (p=0.04678)ConclusionsStatistically significant improvement in composite scores after viewing the RFUCEV makes it reasonable to require compulsory parental education prior to signing up a child to play rugby. This would build on the protocol changes made by the RFU in 2014 and further progress the safety of the sport. We suggest the video be improved to emphasise the areas highlighted as inadequately understood, including the increased risk of concussion in under-18s compared to adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 205510292097325
Author(s):  
Quynh Anh Tran ◽  
Vu Thuy Huong Le ◽  
Thi Hong Diem Nguyen

We conducted a cross-sectional study in four provinces located in four different geographical areas in Vietnam to examine the prevalence and associated factors of depression and suicide ideation among school students aged 13–17. A sample of 6407 students from secondary school and high school participated in our survey to complete self-reported questionnaires. Depressive symptoms were measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D). Suicidal ideation and associated factors were measured by the Global School Student Health Survey (GSHS) questionnaire. We found that 31.7% of students had depressive symptoms, and 11% reported suicidal ideation during the last year. Female students and older students were more at risk of experiencing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation than male students and younger students. Bullying, violence, smoking, and alcohol consumption appear as risk factors, while a good relationship with parents/guardians may protect school students from having depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.


Author(s):  
Mahoor Salehi Mobarakeh ◽  
Mohammad Hassan I IEftekhari

Background: Mental disorders impose a significant health and economic burden on both developed and developing countries. The relationship between nutrition and mental disorders has become an important topic of interest in recent years. Therefore, identification of modifiable risk factors for anxiety is a serious and critical research imperative. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the “diet quality index international” (DQI-I) and anxiety as a major subject. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 men and women, who were randomly selected to perform the routine examinations before marriage. In this research, socio-demographic and anthropometric indicators, such a dietary intake1 and mental health were measured. To measure the former, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) was applied and to determine the latter,  a short version of the self-report depression, anxiety, and stress scale questionnaire (DASS-21) was used. Results: Univariate and multivariate linear regressions of anxiety and DQI score demonstrated significant association between DQI score and anxiety in all participants. A negative correlation was also seen between DQI score and anxiety in all participants. The anxiety scores reported for males and females did not introduce a significant difference. Adjustments for age, education, income, job, smoking, physical activity, and body mass index did not change the aforementioned associations. Conclusion: In this study, a significant association was observed between diet quality and the risk of mental disorders. The increase in DQI in participants caused a remarkable reduction in their level of anxiety. A healthy diet proved to be inversely associated with anxiety, while unhealthy dietary patterns were associated with increased risk of anxiety.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Farsi ◽  
Soha A Alomar ◽  
Mai Kadi ◽  
Sara Farsi ◽  
Haifa Algethamy ◽  
...  

The COVID-19 pandemic emerged in late 2019. Previous research has shown a significant prevalence of burnout among physician trainees, with concern that the pandemic will increase burnout. We aimed to assess this risk among trainees at a large academic hospital. We performed a cross-sectional study during the pandemic using a survey that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The response rate was 94.7%. Among trainees, 58.5% changed their living arrangements to protect family. Psychological well-being was negatively affected in 81.7% and clinical performance in 64.3%; 13.8% were at high risk of burnout. Emotional exhaustion (EE) scores were high in 50% and depersonalization (DP) scores in 28.8%; a sense of personal accomplishment was low in 41.9%. Increased risk of burnout was associated with male gender and increased exposure to suspected COVID-19 cases. Risk of high EE correlated with an increased number of children and risk of high DP with male gender. High EE and DP score correlated with increased exposure to suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients. Trainees who self-isolated to protect family were more likely to experience high DP and burnout. Trainees in surgical specialties were more likely to feel their clinical performance was negatively affected. The results suggest that a significant percentage of trainees are at high risk of burnout during the pandemic especially those that attempted self-isolation. Training programs should incorporate methods to maintain well-being and coping, including adequate time off between shifts. Future research should evaluate other aspects of trainee well-being in relation to self-isolation and/or changed living arrangements. Key words: Burnout, Medical education, pandemic, coronavirus, psychological wellbeing, medical residents


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e023297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Orla Fitzpatrick ◽  
Regien Biesma ◽  
Ronán M Conroy ◽  
Alice McGarvey

ObjectivesThis cross-sectional study was designed to measure burnout and its impact on risk of depression in a medical student population, comparing the preclinical and clinical years.DesignWe conducted a survey of 269 medical school students in both preclinical and clinical years at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, using the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS), the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey and items assessing willingness to use mental health services. Burnout scores were calibrated to probability of depression caseness and classified as low risk (<25%), intermediate (25%–50%) and high risk (>50%) of depression.ResultsThere was a 39% (95% CI 33% to 45%) prevalence of depressive caseness based on a score of ≥6 on the BDI-FS. Prevalence did not vary significantly between clinical and preclinical years. The rate of burnout varied significantly between years (p=0.032), with 35% in the high-burnout category in clinical years compared with 26% in preclinical years. Those in the low burnout category had a 13% overall prevalence of depressive symptoms, those in the intermediate category had a 38% prevalence and those in the high category had a 66% prevalence of depressive symptoms. Increasing emotional exhaustion (OR for one—tertile increase in score 2.0, p=0.011) and decreasing academic efficacy (OR 2.1, p=0.007) increased the odds of being unwilling to seek help for mental health problems (11%).ConclusionWhile previous studies have reported significant levels of burnout and depression, our method of calibrating burnout against depression allows burnout scores to be interpreted in terms of their impact on mental health. The high prevalences, in line with previous research, point to an urgent need to rethink the psychological pressures of health professions education.


2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052097622
Author(s):  
Kakungu Assani Wa Mwenda Jonas ◽  
Hai-yan Tang ◽  
Ling-chao Deng ◽  
Yizhen Yu ◽  
Kakoma N’dusu Jean-Baptiste ◽  
...  

This cross-sectional study sought to broaden the limited evidence on violence against young adolescent girls in non-conflict zones within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Our goal was to estimate the prevalence of and the predictors of physical and/or sexual abuse among girls aged 11–18 years in Kinshasa. A total of 3,100 girls from five randomly selected schools were recruited by our team and given the questionnaires; among them, 3,011 (97.1%) participants completed the questionnaires and were included in the study for further analysis. After collecting all valid responses, the overall prevalence of physical and/or sexual abuse was sorted into the following categories: experienced physical abuse without a weapon (recorded by 70.1% of respondents), experienced physical abuse with a weapon (66.3% of respondents), attempted rape without penetration (76.5% of respondents), experienced attempted rape with penetration (73.9% of respondents), and experienced verbal sexual harassment (93.0%). Our logistic regression analysis indicated that specific kinds of living arrangements (such as only living with the father, mother, or a caregiver; odds ratio ranged 1.8 to 6.9) and places of residence (such as living in lower-class or middle-class districts; odds ratio ranged 1.7 to 6.2) had the strongest associations with higher risk pertaining to whether the respondent had experienced physical and/or sexual abuse in the past. Meanwhile, factors such as the students’ level of education (both middle grade and upper grade) and occupation of the father (specifically whether holding a part-time job or retired) were deemed to be more protective. However, physical and/or sexual abuse prevalence was found to be high among middle school girls in Kinshasa. Therefore, we recommend that drastic policies and strategies aimed at socioeconomic issue and living condition ameliorations among families should be implemented to curtail physical and sexual abuse in the nonconflict zones of the DRC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Zhang ◽  
Zifeng Liu ◽  
Lingling Zhang ◽  
Paiyi Zhu ◽  
Xin Wang ◽  
...  

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0240914
Author(s):  
Tesera Bitew ◽  
Wohabie Birhan ◽  
Demeke Wolie

Background The potential role of perceived learning difficulty on depressive symptoms and substance use in the context of student population was seldom studied. This study aimed to investigate the association of perceived learning difficulty with depressive symptoms and substance use among university students in northwest Ethiopia. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted on 710 pre-engineering students. A locally validated version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms at a cut off 5–9 indicating mild depressive symptoms and at a cut off 10 for major depressive symptoms. Perceived difficulty in school work was assessed by items dealing about difficulties in areas of course work. The response alternatives of these items were 0 = not at all, 1 = not so much, 2 = quite much, 3 = very much. The types of substances that students had used in their life and in the last three months were assessed. Negative binomial regression and multinomial regressions were employed to investigate the predictors of number of substance use and depressive symptoms respectively. Results The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 71.4% (Mild: 30% and Major 41.4%). About 24.6% of participants had the experience of using at least one substance. Increment in perceived difficulties in learning score was associated with more use of substances (aRRR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06), mild level depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.56 and major depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.26). Every increment in anxiety score was associated with increased risk of mild level of depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.17) and major depressive symptoms (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.37). Being male (aRRR = 5.54, 95% CI: 3.28, 9.36), urban residence (aRRR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.62, 3.72) and increment in number of life threatening events (aRRR = 1.143, 95% CI: 1.08, 1.22) were associated with increased risk of substance use. Conclusion Perceived difficulties in learning independently predicted increased depressive symptoms as well as substance use among participants.


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