Risk factors for depression symptoms in adolescents: A population-based study

To ascertain the prevalence of depressive symptoms and identify related risk factors among adolescents.

A cross-sectional survey was carried out using an online questionnaire completed by 1,413 adolescents from Central Java and Yogyakarta Provinces، Indonesia. The validated Indonesian version of the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms.

Symptoms of depression were identified in 28.5% of participants. Multivariate analysis revealed important risk factors, including female gender (OR 3.962, 95% CI 2.684-5.849), having mother who is a housewife (OR 4.155, 95% CI 1.424-12.126) or works in labor/farming/self-employment (OR 3.665, 95% CI 1.216-11.051), residing with a biological father (OR 5.386, 95% CI 1.458-19.894) or non-parental guardians (OR 1.826, 95% CI 1.059-3.146), and lack of siblings (OR 1.459, 95% CI 1.057-2.013). Behavioral factors such as abnormal sleep duration (<6 hours or >8 hours per night, OR 3.750, 95% CI 2.833-4.964), smoking (OR 4.272, 95% CI 2.110-8.649), frequent consumption of sugary beverages (>3 times/week, OR 2.472, 95% CI 1.623-3.765), and chronic illnesses requiring regular medication (OR 2.057, 95% CI 1.177-3.595) were also strongly linked to depressive symptoms.

This study reveals the increased prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents and highlights the complex interplay of demographic, behavioral, and social determinants. Findings emphasize the necessity for targeted, evidence-based interventions to enhance adolescent mental health.