• Nada A AlYousefi, Mohammed O AlRukban, Abdullah M AlMana, Talal H AlTukhaim, Basel A AlMeflh, Yazeed O AlMutairi, and Omar S AlMogheer.
• From the Department of Family and Community Medicine (AlYousefi, AlRukban), College of Medicine (AlMana, AlTukhaim, AlMeflh, AlMutairi, AlMogheer), King Saud University; and from the King Saud University Medical City (AlYousefi, AlRukban), King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Med J. 2021 Jun 1; 42 (6): 673-681.

ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of depression among Saudi adolescents and identify its correlates.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study using a multistage random technique that included students at the intermediate and secondary levels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used as a tool, in addition to a survey of the potential risk factors. Binary logistic regression was conducted.ResultsOut of 960 students, 32.4% were found to have moderate to severe depression. The age group of 16-19 years was more at risk. Female gender and low father's education level were significant predictors of depression. Less internet use and more physical activity are considered a protective factor against depression, OR -0.531 (95% CI: 0.315-0.894) and OR -0.668 (95% CI: 0.468-0.953), respectively. Whereas the physical abuse, OR 2.047 (95% CI: 1.287-3.255) and emotional abuse, OR 2.576 (95% CI: 1.740-3.813) considered risk factors for depression.ConclusionThe prevalence of depression among Saudi adolescents is worrisome. Urgent and firm actions should be taken in response to the increasing prevalence of depression worldwide.Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal.

15 keywords...

hide…