Factors associated with depression symptoms in high school students in São Paulo, Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To assess factors associated with depression symptoms in high school students.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study involving high school students was conducted in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, 2001. A total of 724 students aged 14-18 years answered questionnaires on life and health conditions. Another questionnaire was applied to working (44.8%) and unemployed (22.9%) students to collect information on working conditions. Factors associated to depressive disorders were analyzed using multiple logistic regression controlled for occupational status.


RESULTS
Overall prevalence rate of depression was 7.5%. Rates according to gender were 39 (10.3%) in females and 15 (4.3%) in males. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed that factors associated with depressive disorders were: poor self-perception of health (OR=5.78), being female (OR = 2.45), and alcohol consumption (OR=2.35).


CONCLUSIONS
The study results showed that sociodemographic, lifestyle and health variables were associated with symptoms of depression in this population. These findings suggest that it is important to have mental health professionals available in high schools for early detection of mental conditions and student counseling.
Zinn-Souza
L C
LC
Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Nagai
R
R
Teixeira
L R
LR
Latorre
M R D O
MR
Roberts
R
R
Cooper
S P
SP
Fischer
F M
FM
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D016272:Occupational Health; D015995:Prevalence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D017132:Workplace / Q000523:psychology