Background: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and a loss of interest in activities. There is an emerging concern about the prevalence of MDD among high school students.
Aims and Objectives: The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence of MDD among students of private higher secondary schools and to find association between MDD with sociodemographic variables and other predictors of MDD.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the students of private higher secondary school of science stream in Rajkot city of Gujarat. A total of 1219 students were enrolled in the study. The students were screened for MDD by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) modified for teens. Severity of the depression according to PHQ-9 scale had been described as Minimal Depression, Mild Depression, Moderate Depression, Moderately Severe Depression, and Severe Depression. Data were entered and analyzed using Microsoft excel 2007 and Epi info version 7.1.5.2. The Chi-square test was used to check association between MDD and its various predictors.
Results: The prevalence of MDD was found to be 3.20% with highest proportion (9.21%) in Muslim students. Significant association found between MDD and its predictors such as physical illness, flow of ongoing study, and performance in study and addiction.
Conclusion: It is recommended that the students should be assessed periodically to know their depression status and academic performance-related problems. Responsible factors should be identified and addressed with the help of parents, teachers, psychologists, and psychiatrists for prompt resolvement.
Key words: Major Depressive Disorder; Prevalence; PHQ-9 Scale; Students of Private Higher Secondary Schools; Cross Sectional Study
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