Depression and risk factors in 18-year-old males in 5 districts of the Argentina Republic in 1992

Prevalence of depression and associated factors were investigated in 2,518, 18-year-old males, in probabilistic samples of residents in 5 areas of Argentina: city of Buenos Aires (Federal District), municipalities of the province of Buenos Aires in two areas, NE and SE; central and northern area of the province of Córdoba, and province of Mendoza. A self administered epidemiologic questionnaire was employed, including personal, familial and environmental history and 21 question from Beck's Depression Inventory. Depression was classified as mild, moderate and severe. Mild depression was more frequent in the five areas (14.8 per cent to 24 per cent), followed by moderate (7.4 per cent to 16.3 per cent) and severe (3.6 to 4.5 per cent). Association with other variables was analyzed by means of Relative Risk (RR) herewith reporting those with headaches, absences from home, conflicts sentimental and with friends, low credits at school, and use of marijuana. Moderate depression was associated with headaches, absences from home, history on aggressive, nervous and sad mood in childhood, previous depression, and use of marijuana. Severe depression was associated with headaches, absences from home, history on aggressive, nervous and sad mood in childhood, previous depression, and use of marijuana. Prevalence of depression found was similar in all areas. It's necessary to continue studying depression in adolescence.

[Severe depression and risk factors in Buenos Aires]. / Depresión grave y factores de riesgo en Buenos Aires.

A study on prevalence of depression and its risk factors in 18 year old males with residence in the city of Buenos Aires was performed in 1991 during a mass medical examination of aptitude for the Military Service. An anonyme, self administered questionnaire was given to 553 youngsters in a probability sample. From findings in that study it was deemed necessary a deepen analysis on severe depression and its possible associations with ideas of suicide. Prevalence at severe depression was 4.5% and strong association was found with sadness in depression was 4.5% and strong association was found with sadness in childhood (RR 12.73), boredom (RR 10.56), retiring (RR 8.28) and nervousness (RR 3.89) as well as drugs abuse by brothers (RR 3.48) and family conflicts (RR 2.43). Possibility of having ideas of suicide is thirty three times more when depression exists. The attributable risk of suicide due to severe depression is 75%. Keeping in mind this health problem in youngsters might help to establish collective and individual strategic measures toward prevention.