Journal of Depression and Anxiety
Open Access

Abstract

Depression Severity and its Associated Factors among School-Going Adolescents in Malaysia

Norhafizah Bte Sahril*, Najib Majdi Yaacob, Noor Ani Ahmad, Sarimah Abdullah, Balkish Mahadir Naidu and Tahir Aris

Objective: Depression is the single largest contributor to the global burden of disease. Depression was found as a common disorder among children lower than 18 years old. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression severity among adolescents in Malaysia.

Study design: A cross-sectional study

Methods: In order to achieve the objective of this study, secondary data analysis from Malaysian National School Based Health Survey 2012 was carried out, involving a total of number of 21,764 eligible school adolescents between the ages of 12 to 18 years old. Additionally, complex sample ordinal logistic regression was also employed for analysing and quantifying the odds ratio, in which 95% confidence interval was achieved.

Results and Discussion: This study discovered that the prevalence of mild, moderate and severe depression was 16.6%, 12.8% and 3.8% respectively. The result of the multivariable analysis showed that females have 32% more risk in having more severe depression as compared to males. Indians ethnics have 73% higher odds in developing more severe depression as compared to Malays. Those who were smoker and drink alcohol have 30% higher risk in having more severe depression as compared to non-smoker and who do not drink alcohol. Adolescent who ever used drug had 81% higher chance in having more severe depression as compared to those who never used drug. Adolescent who ever had suicidal ideation had 3-time greater chance in having more severe depression as compared to whom don’t. Adolescent who involved in truancy activity had 31% higher chance in having more severe depression as compared to those who didn’t. Adolescent who ever being bullied had 84% higher chance in having more severe depression as compared to those who never been bullied. Adolescent who have parent or guardian never or rarely know what they were doing had 33% greater risk in having more severe depression as compared to who have parent or guardian know what they do. Lastly, adolescent who have parent or guardian never or rarely understand what their problems and worries had 29% greater risk in having more severe depression as compared to who have parent or guardian understand their problems and worries.

Conclusion: The submission of this study is that there is need for prevention and intervention programs, which must be designed and targeted towards adolescents who are exposed to various risks identified in this study.

Published Date: 2019-11-15; Received Date: 2019-10-10