Socio-Demographic Factors Associated With Depression in Peri-Urban Adolescent Girls in Lahore

Aim: To determine the prevalence of depression among peri-urban adolescent girls and socio-demographic factors associated with it. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Union Council Manawan, Lahore. A sample of 302 girls between the ages of 15-19 years was selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collected data on socio-demographic background of study participants. Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS-6) was used to screen adolescent girls for depression. Data was described in the form of tables and graphs. Chi square test of significance was applied to assess association between depression and socio-demographic variables. Statistical significance was established at the cut-off point of p <= 0.05. Results: Average age of the study participants was 17.15 years. Depression prevalence among our study participants was 19%. Depression was more likely in girls who had monthly family income of less than Rs. 20,000 and in those who had uneducated fathers. Other socio-demographic factors had no significant association with depression. Conclusion: Low family income and education of male family heads were significantly associated with depression in peri-urban adolescent girls. More research, early diagnosis and management of depression in adolescent girls are recommended. All channels of effective communication must be utilized to create awareness about this issue.