Depression among adolescents in a rural community of north India: A cross-sectional study

There is a paucity of literature on depression among adolescents in the north Indian community.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression among adolescents residing in a rural community of north India, and to determine associated factors, psychiatric comorbidities, and functional impairment.

A simple random sample of 630 adolescents aged 10-19 years was drawn. Participants were enrolled in house-to-house visits, and screened for depression using the nine-item version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Diagnostic confirmation and assessment of psychiatric comorbidities was done using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI Kid) for 10-17-year-old adolescents, and MINI for 18 year olds. Prevalence was reported with 95% confidence interval. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to determine the association of depression with socio-demographic and other factors. Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) was used to assess functional impairment.

The prevalence of depression was 3.7% (95% CI: 2.3-5.2) (n = 583), comparable in both sexes. Over half the participants with depression had psychiatric comorbidities; the most common were conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; nearly two-fifth had suicidal ideas/attempt. About two-third of participants with depression had functional impairment. Depression was associated with perceived frequent conflicts at home [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.0 (95% CI: 1.0-16.0), P = 0.049], and perceived stressful event (s) in past six months [aOR = 7.0 (95% CI: 2.4-20.3), P < 0.01], which were predominantly related to academics.

Study results indicate the need to strengthen diagnostic and therapeutic/rehabilitative mental health services in adolescent age group. Low-stress lifestyle could be a promising approach to sidestep depressive symptoms.