ASSESSMENT OF MAGNITUDE AND RISK CORRELATES OF DEPRESSION & ANXIETY SYMPTOMS AMONG SCHOOL GOING ADOLESCENTS IN MUMBAI SUBURBAN AREA, INDIA

Introduction: In India, Depression & anxiety symptoms are considered Diseases of adulthood. Just like other non-communicable diseases, mental disorders are emerging as Hidden killers, it is important to screen these diseases since adolescence.

Objectives: to assess the magnitude of depression & anxiety symptoms and their risk factors.

Methods: A cross‑sectional study was conducted among 175 adolescents enrolled in 8^th – 10^th standards in private school of Mumbai suburban area using the modified PHQ-9 & GAD-7 binary logistic regression was applied to find significant risk correlates. 

Results:Mean age was 13.95±0.97years and 53.1 % were females. Depression was found in 24 % anxiety symptoms in 23% adolescents. On logistic regression, depression and anxiety symptoms was associated with female gender [OR: 3.072 & OR: 2.925] family members ≤ 5 [OR: 2.182 & OR: 1.502] and not willing to come to school [OR: 6.43 & OR: 5.42].

Conclusion: The level of depression & anxiety symptoms was higher among female gender, having family member ≤ 5 & those who were not willing to come to school. Less fights with parents, no failure in examinations, ability to cope up with academics, having normal sleep pattern, never faced teasing & bullying by fellow students had lower chances of having depression & anxiety symptoms.Anxiety and depression are major public health problems among adolescents. The high burden estimated in our study highlights the need for immediate action to support school going adolescents.