Anthropometric, Dietary and Psychological Risk Factors for Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety Among Adolescents Studying in Public Schools of Delhi

Abstract

Objectives The present research was designed to study the prevalence & association of depression & anxiety with anthropometric, dietary and psychological risk factors among adolescent boys & girls studying in public schools of Delhi. Methods 546 adolescents participated in this cross-sectional study. Child Behaviour Checklist was used to assess depression and anxiety symptoms. Data pertaining to sociodemographic profile (pre-tested), eating behavior (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire), body image perception and locus of control (standardized questionnaire), dietary intake (two day 24 hour recall and food frequency questionnaire), and anthropometric parameters (BMI and body fat%) were collected and statistically analysed. Results Prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms was 33.51% and 27.47% respectively. As per the multi-variable regression models, subjects who reported cognitive restrained eating (OR:1.41 95% CI: 1.17–1.71 P = 0.0004) and emotional eating behavior (OR:1.18 95% CI: 1.05–1.33 P = 0.0041) had statistically significant higher odds for developing depressive symptoms. In males, subjects who were skipping breakfast (OR: 19.19 95% CI: 3.83–96.20 P = 0.0003) and were not consuming milk in breakfast (OR: 0.14 95% CI: 0.05–0.36 P = < 0.0001) had significantly higher odds of getting depressed. In females, weight management practices was a significant psychological predictors of depression symptoms. Female subjects who were skipping their meals, especially breakfast (OR: 43.10 95% CI: 1.44 - 1292.10 P = 0.0301) had significantly higher odds of getting depressed than the non-skippers. Deviation from the normal weight category was significant predictor of depressive symptoms in male and female subjects. Underweight (OR:118.46 95% CI:31.92–439.62 P = < 0.0001), overweight and obese (OR:37.21 95% CI:14.14–97.88 P = < 0.0001) males had significantly higher odds of getting depressed. Body fat % was also a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in male adolescents (P = 0.0079). Female subjects in underweight, overweight and obese categories also had significantly higher odds of getting depressed. Similar pattern of associations and risk factors were also reported for anxiety symptoms. Conclusions The study serve as a strategic tool for mental health prevention & management policies designed for adolescents. Funding Sources UGC.