PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - AlYousefi, Nada A.
AU  - AlRukban, Mohammed O.
AU  - AlMana, Abdullah M.
AU  - AlTukhaim, Talal H.
AU  - AlMeflh, Basel A.
AU  - AlMutairi, Yazeed O.
AU  - AlMogheer, Omar S.
TI  - Exploring the predictors of depression among Saudi adolescents
AID  - 10.15537/smj.2021.42.6.20200790
DP  - 2021 Jun 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 673--681
VI  - 42
IP  - 6
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/42/6/673.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/42/6/673.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2021 Jun 01; 42
AB  - Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of depression among Saudi adolescents and identify its correlates.Methods: This 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.Results: Out 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.Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among Saudi adolescents is worrisome. Urgent and firm actions should be taken in response to the increasing prevalence of depression worldwide.