Exploring the Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms among Adolescents in India

Sayeed Unisa, International Institute for Population Sciences, India
Preeti Dhillon, International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS)
Mohd Usman
Mohammad Hifz Ur Rahman, Manipal TATA Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
Anjula Srivastava, Independent Consultant

The WHO estimates that 2.8% of the 15-19 years old suffer from depression; similar estimates for India are, however, unavailable. This study explored the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among adolescents in this age group. Data for 17,442 individuals from the nationally representative Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey (2016-18) was used. Self-reported depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire, (PHQ-9). Simple means were computed for prevalence estimates; bivariate and multivariate analyses were carried out to examine the adjusted effects of associated factors. Analysis revealed that the mean score on PHQ-9 was 2.52(+3.48) indicating minimal depressive symptoms. An analysis by severity levels showed that 20% reported suffering from depressive symptoms (mild or moderate to severe). The multiple regression analysis highlighted that apart from the individual factors (age, being female, spending <=15 hours weekly on physical activity, consuming alcohol), family factors (chronic morbidity of one/both parent) and childhood experiences (having been exposed to theft or violence) were also significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Mental health awareness programs and screening for mental health disorders in school and in the community may be a step forward towards addressing the adolescent mental health.

Keywords: Health and Morbidity, Children, Adolescents, and Youth

See extended abstract.