Mental Health of Adolescents and Its Association with Their Educational Systems: A Cross-Sectional Study on High School Students

Abstract

We assessed the Association of Mental Health and different education systems among high school students. A total of 174 students (107 females and 67 males) from age 16-19 years studying in 11th and 12th grades or equivalent to A levels in Karachi, Pakistan were surveyed in this cross-sectional study. Data collection involved using a specially designed structured questionnaire through literature review as well as the patient Health Questionnaire, a validated tool for assessing depression.  Our study found that majority of students suffered from mild depression (29.3%). This was followed by 27.5% of students with severe depression, 23.0% with moderate depression and 20.1 with no depression. It was also found that more females suffered from depression as compared to males. However, no significant correlation was found between the association of different education system on the mental health of adolescents.