Depressive symptoms and socio-demographic correlates among adolescents in Kampala: a cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in secondary school students in Kampala, Uganda, and assess associations with demographic characteristics and living arrangements. In this cross-sectional study, 14- to 17-year-olds were recruited from six randomly selected schools in Kampala. Participants completed a questionnaire, covering demographic questions and the affective problems subscale of the Youth Self-Report (YSR) – a depression screening tool for minors. Scores range from 0 to 26; a minimum score of 9 and 8 for female and male participants, respectively, suggests depressive symptoms in the clinical range, according to standard (non-local) norms. Unadjusted logistic regressions were used to assess demographic (e.g., age, gender, religion, parental education) and family-related characteristics (e.g., living arrangements, household size) associated with symptoms of depression in the clinical range. In total, 503 participants were recruited, of which 26.6% had depressive symptoms in the clinical range (female: 32.5%, male: 18.1%; risk ratio [RR] = 1.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.28, 2.51]). Those who reported living with only one parent (RR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.14, 2.30]) or another family member/friend (RR = 1.98, 95% CI [1.14, 2.30]) were at increased risk of depressive symptoms above clinical threshold compared with participants living with both parents. A quarter of urban low-risk school-going adolescents had depressive symptoms in the clinical range in Kampala; girls and adolescents not living with their parents were particularly vulnerable. It recommended that school staff be equipped with skills to identify students who may be at risk for depression and make appropriate referrals.