Magnitude spectrum and predictors of depression in adolescent girls of rural Varanasi

ABSTRACT

Background: Depression is a common but serious problems among adolescent. It has profound adverse effect on their physical as well as mental health. Now days it is one of the common and ignorant psychiatric problems in adolescents. Objectives: 1. To assess magnitude and spectrum of depression in rural adolescent girls. 2. To pinpoint predictors of depression in adolescent girls. Method: A community based cross-sectional design was adopted for this study. Four hundred adolescent girls were selected from rural Varanasi by adopting appropriate sampling technique. Socio demographic, personal and diet related information were obtained on a predesigned and pretested schedule. CES depression scale was applied to assess the level of depression. The data thus obtained was analyzed using SPSSv21.0.In order to pin point correlates logistic regression analysis was done. Results: On applying psychological rating scale in all 75.2% subjects were at risk of depression. Mild to moderate and severe depression prevailed in 21.3% and 54.0% subjects respectively. Higher AOR for depression prevailed in menstruating girls (AOR 3.82; 1.41- 10.34), higher education of study subjects (AOR 2.89; 1.09-7.70), irregular breakfast habits (AOR 7.09; 2.59-19.41) and average (AOR 8.02; 2.64-24.27) as well as poor (AOR 18.24; 45.88-71.86) life skills. Conclusion: Three out of four rural adolescent girls were at risk of depression. Menstrual status, subjects literacy, breakfast habit and category of life skill were significant predictors of depression status.