Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents in Bangladesh

Abstract

Adolescent mental well-being hardly took precedence in Bangladesh, which is reflected in both policies and literature. This study assessed the common symptoms of depression among school-going adolescents (aged 10–19 years) in Bangladesh. Primary data were collected during October–November 2019 from 289 participants in four schools using a questionnaire based on the WHO global school-based student health survey and WHO stepwise approach to NCD (Tools version 9.5). Sadness (45.3%) and aggression (40.5%) were the most common depressive symptoms found in the study, followed by confusion (27.7%), worthlessness (21.8%), fatigue (21.5%), and insomnia (18.0%). The sex of the student, grade of study, and duration of daily sleep showed differential associations with these symptoms. These findings indicate a crucial stage of adolescence, where the different societal pressures often ignored by primary carers, could have detrimental effect on children. There is an urgent need to address the growing adolescent mental health issue in Bangladesh and a need for health system to recognize its precedence.

Addictive behavior and mental health of adolescents aged 11–17 years in Bangladesh in 2014: A cross‐sectional study

“…The prevalence of mental health issues, such as suicidal ideation, anxiety, loneliness, and having no close friends among 13–17‐year‐old adolescents in Bangladesh is between 5% and 11% 17 . A study conducted in 2022 among Bangladeshi school‐going adolescents (age 10–19 years) showed that 45.3% and 40.5% of adolescents reported sadness and aggression, respectively, which were the most prevalent depressive symptoms found in the study, followed by confusion (27.7%), worthlessness (21.8%), fatigue (21.5%), and insomnia (18.0%) 18 …”

“…17 A study conducted in 2022 among Bangladeshi school‐going adolescents (age 10–19 years) showed that 45.3% and 40.5% of adolescents reported sadness and aggression, respectively, which were the most prevalent depressive symptoms found in the study, followed by confusion (27.7%), worthlessness (21.8%), fatigue (21.5%), and insomnia (18.0%). 18 …”

“…17 A study conducted in 2022 among Bangladeshi school-going adolescents (age 10-19 years) showed that 45.3% and 40.5% of adolescents reported sadness and aggression, respectively, which were the most prevalent depressive symptoms found in the study, followed by confusion (27.7%), worthlessness (21.8%), fatigue (21.5%), and insomnia (18.0%). 18 Despite the high prevalence, studies on addiction and the mental health status quo are scarce in Bangladesh. Mental health conditions among adolescents in Bangladesh (22.9%) 19 were higher than the global average (10%-20%).…”

Addictive Behavior and Mental Health of Adolescents in Bangladesh: Evidence from Global School-Based Health Survey

“…The prevalence of mental health issues like suicidal behaviour, anxiety, loneliness, and having no close friends among 13-17 years old adolescents in Bangladesh varied between 5-11% [19]. A study conducted in 2022 among Bangladeshi school-going adolescents (age 10-19 years) showed that 45.3% and 40.5% of adolescents reported Sadness and aggression, those were the most prevalent depressive symptoms found in the study, followed by confusion (27.7%), worthlessness (21.8%), fatigue (21.5%), and insomnia (18.0%) (Ria et al, 2022). Another study conducted in 2022 among Bangladeshi adolescents showed that 52.2%, 58.1%, and 24.9% reported moderate to extremely severe levels of sadness, anxiety, and stress [26].…”