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Screening and predicting adolescent depressive symptoms in rural settings
K R Puskar1, K Tusaie-Mumford, S M Sereika
1University of Pittsburgh, School of Nursing, PA 15261, USA.
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing
|March 9, 1999
Summary
Depressive symptoms in rural adolescents are linked to gender, family death, and negative life events like losing friends or trouble with peers and police. Identifying these factors can help healthcare professionals identify at-risk youth.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Adolescent Health
- Rural Health
Background:
- Adolescent depression and suicidal behavior pose significant public health challenges.
- Rural adolescents may face unique stressors contributing to mental health issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic and life event risk factors associated with depressive symptoms in rural adolescents.
- To inform healthcare professionals in identifying high-risk individuals.
Main Methods:
- Survey of 846 rural adolescents on depressive symptoms, life events, and demographic factors.
- Statistical analysis to determine significant relationships (p < .05 and p < .10).
Main Results:
- Depressive symptoms significantly correlated with gender, family death, and the impact of life events.
- Specific events like losing a friend, parental arguments, peer conflicts, and police trouble were associated with increased symptoms.
- School program type and sibling issues showed marginal significance.
Conclusions:
- Demographic characteristics and specific adverse life events are key indicators of depressive symptoms in rural adolescents.
- These findings can aid in developing targeted screening and intervention strategies for at-risk youth.
- Early identification of risk factors is crucial for preventing severe mental health outcomes.
