Factors associated with depression symptoms in high school students in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:To assess factors associated with depression symptoms in high school students. METHODS:A cross-sectional study involving high school students was conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, 2001. A total of 724 students aged 14-18 years answered questionnaires on life and health conditions. Another questionnaire was applied to working (44.8%) and unemployed (22.9%) students to collect information on working conditions. Factors associated to depressive disorders were analyzed using multiple logistic regression controlled for occupational status. RESULTS:Overall prevalence rate of depression was 7.5%. Rates according to gender were 39 (10.3%) in females and 15 (4.3%) in males. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that factors associated with depressive disorders were: poor self-perception of health (OR=5.78), being female (OR = 2.45), and alcohol consumption (OR=2.35). CONCLUSIONS:The study results showed that sociodemographic, lifestyle and health variables were associated with symptoms of depression in this population. These findings suggest that it is important to have mental health professionals available in high schools for early detection of mental conditions and student counseling. unstable, and their behavior may include explosions of rage.2 Peculiar characteristics of this phase of life are: impairment in school achievement, low self-esteem, thoughts of suicide, and serious behavior problems, especially alcohol and drug abuse. 23While depressive feelings are more common among boys before adolescence, depressive disorders are more frequent among girls after puberty. Starting from adolescence depressive disorders are twice as prevalent among women as men. 6,12,23 Entering and remaining in the labor market contribute to adolescents' transitions to adulthood, but early employment may be related to negative and/or positive consequences in their development. 19 Work substantially contributes to the construction of adolescents' identity in the family, gender roles, and occupational domains and this identity becomes part of an individual's selfconcept throughout life. 15According to Sarriera et al, 22 the individual-society employment provides a sense of participation and usefulness. Work structures identity when it provides young people a sense of life and facilitates making professional choices as it can be a source of information Adolescence is a critical stage of life when physical, psychological and social changes occur. Depression in this group is currently considered to be common, debilitating and recurrent involving high morbidity and mortality, and it is a major public health concern, albeit it is not often recognized and treated. 2,16 In addition, depressive symptoms have been shown to be three times as often among adolescent and young adult population as in children and adults. 9,10Although depression is a worldwide concern with high rates among adolescents, data on youths in Brazil are scarce. In a recent review of literature on depressive symptom epidemiology in adolesc...

Risk factors associated with mental health issues in adolescents: a integrative review

“…Low self-esteem, lower wish to live, depression and anxiety (14)(15)19,(22)(23)(24)(33)(34)38,48,62) Attention-defict hyperactivity disorder, oppositional/conduct disorder somatic complaints (11)(12)(13)23,25,59,62) . Self-aggression or suicide attempt; suicidal ideation (10,(13)(14)25,56) Sadness/loneliness feelings (10,34,58) Insomnia, fatigue, forgetfulness, irritability, difficulty concentrating and feelings of worthlessness (11)(12) Internalizing and externalizing behaviors (23,25) Aggression/ high levels of anger/interpersonal problems (27) Neurotic disorders (28) Abdominal obesity/ self-image (35) Need to feel pleasure (37) 43.4…”

“…Self-aggression or suicide attempt; suicidal ideation (10,(13)(14)25,56) Sadness/loneliness feelings (10,34,58) Insomnia, fatigue, forgetfulness, irritability, difficulty concentrating and feelings of worthlessness (11)(12) Internalizing and externalizing behaviors (23,25) Aggression/ high levels of anger/interpersonal problems (27) Neurotic disorders (28) Abdominal obesity/ self-image (35) Need to feel pleasure (37) 43.4…”

“…Use of substances (tobacco, alcohol and other drugs) (11)(12)14,(16)(17)23,(25)(26)28,(32)(33)36,(38)(39)42,44,46,50,55,59,62) Psychosocial dysfunction associated with use of drugs (21) 41.5…”

“…Suffered aggression and physical violence (13,23,29,36,41,48,58) Sexual abuse experience evolving life threatening and physical injuries (13,22,41,43,51,53) Gangs involvement (20,61) Social contact problems and rules violation (25,59) Legal problems, involvement with auto accidents and violent acts practice (59,61) To be not working or studying (12) High frequency of exposition to community violence, theft, assault and firearms use (13) To be institutionalized or living in a shelter (13) Urban poverty (47) 32.0 …”

Estresse, depressão e percepção de suporte familiar em estudantes de educação profissionalizante

“…O lazer ocorreu de forma mais comum entre os indivíduos que não apresentam a patologia. Para alguns pesquisadores, indivíduos com tempo limitado para atividades de esporte e lazer estão mais sujeitos ao aparecimento de sintomas depressivos (Zinn-Souza et al, 2008). Assim, essa prática parece funcionar também como fator de proteção ao desenvolvimento da depressão.…”