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[Severe depression and risk factors in Buenos Aires]
E Serfaty1, J Andrade, H D'Aquila
1Centro de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas (CIE), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Acta Psiquiatrica Y Psicologica De America Latina
|March 1, 1995
Summary
Severe depression affects 4.5% of 18-year-old males in Buenos Aires, significantly increasing suicide risk. Childhood sadness, boredom, and family conflicts are key risk factors. Prevention strategies are crucial for this vulnerable group.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Context:
- Study conducted in 1991 during military aptitude examinations in Buenos Aires.
- Utilized a probability sample of 553 18-year-old males via anonymous, self-administered questionnaires.
Purpose:
- To analyze the prevalence of severe depression and its associated risk factors in young males.
- To investigate the association between severe depression and suicidal ideation.
Summary:
- Prevalence of severe depression was 4.5%.
- Significant risk factors identified include childhood sadness (RR 12.73), boredom (RR 10.56), retiring (RR 8.28), nervousness (RR 3.89), sibling drug abuse (RR 3.48), and family conflicts (RR 2.43).
- Severe depression increases the likelihood of suicidal ideation by 33 times, with an attributable risk of 75% for suicide.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical link between severe depression and suicide risk in young males.
- Emphasizes the need for targeted collective and individual prevention strategies for youth mental health.
- Provides data to inform public health initiatives and clinical interventions for adolescent depression and suicide prevention.