Depression among higher secondary students of science stream of private schools of Rajkot

BACKGROUND: Depression with the magnitude of 8 − 20% emerged as major mental health morbidity among adolescents due to its devastating consequences of suicidal tendencies, academic failure, poor social relationships, and substance abuse. The current study was carried out to estimate the magnitude of depression among the students of private higher secondary schools of science stream in Rajkot city, Gujarat. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the 1219 students of 11(th) and 12(th) standards of private schools of science stream in Rajkot city using a multistage sampling method. Students were screened using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for Depression and categorized into no depression, mild, moderately severe and severe depression. Epi Info software version 7.1.5.2. from CDC, Atlanta, USA was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: One-third (31.99%) of students had depression followed by Dysthymia (20.59%) and Suicidal risk in 1.64% of students. The prevalence of depression was higher in female students (37.28%) than males. Students of 12(th) standard (38.06%) were more depressed than 11(th) standard (25.98). The suicidal risk was found more among the students of 12(th) standard (2.47%) compared to 11(th) standard (0.82). The prevalence of Depression, Dysthymia and Suicidal risk were more in Muslim students than Hindus. According to severity, female students (13.98%), 12(th) standard students (11.53%), Muslim (19.73%) and students residing at a hostel (12.12%) were more depressed (moderate to severe) than their counterparts. CONCLUSION: In the present study, a significant proportion of students were found suffering from depression.