Combating Anxiety and Depression among School Children and Adolescents through Student Counselling in Saudi Arabia

Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Obesity among Male Adolescents at Abha City, Southwestern Saudi Arabia

The objective was to study depression, anxiety, stress, and obesity among male adolescents in Abha City, southwestern Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 398 male students. Standard methods for measuring body weight and height were applied. Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated. The Arabic version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to detect common mental disorders. Results of the study showed that only 69 (17.3%) adolescents had normal body weight, 176 (44.2%) had overweight, and 153 (38.4%) were obese. The present study showed that obese male adolescents had more stress, anxiety, and depression (44.4%, 73.2%, and 65.7%, respectively) than normal weights. The study showed that obesity was a significant risk factor for anxiety (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.01-3.27) and depression (aOR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.06-3.40). In conclusion, there is an urgent need for depression and anxiety screening and treatment programs among adolescents to prevent adolescent obesity. It should be hand in hand with nutritional and exercise-based interventions as an essential tool in preventing teenage obesity.

Prevalence and Correlates of Depression, Anxiety, and Suicidality Among High School Students: A National Study

The current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidality and their correlated factors among high school students in Jordan. A descriptive cross-sectional correlational research design was used. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires completed by students attending high schools in Jordan. Data show that anxiety and depression are prevalent among adolescents and are associated with higher risk of suicide and disease prevalence. Twenty-seven percent of the variance in suicidality is explained by anxiety and depression. This finding indicates that the most significant predictor of suicidality is anxiety and depression among high school students. Results show that mental health issues are a genuine general health issue among high school students. Health care professionals should routinely screen for mental health problems among young people. Mental health and well-being advancement programs should be coordinated and directed by all parties involved in youth mental health. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 59(8), 43-51.].

Prevalence of Anxiety and Associated Factors among Pharmacy Students in Saudi Arabia: a Cross-Sectional Study

Methods

We used a cross-sectional design, and data collection was carried out over a period of two months from September 2018 to November 2018 using paper-based self-administered questionnaires. The General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale was used to measure and classify anxiety among the study participants.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety among pharmacy students was 49% (83 students); 44 students (25.9%) had mild anxiety, while 24 (14.1%) students had moderate anxiety, and 15 (8.8%) severe anxiety. There were statistically significant differences in anxiety scores according to faculty type (p = 0.2) and nutritional status (p = 0.4).

Conclusion

The findings of this study revealed that half of the pharmacy students suffered from anxiety incidence during their studies at the university. However, the majority of them are experiencing mild to moderate. This may have a significant impact on academic performance and necessitates special attention.

Child and Adolescent Depression: A Review of Theories, Evaluation Instruments, Prevention Programs, and Treatments

Depression is the principal cause of illness and disability in the world. Studies charting the prevalence of depression among children and adolescents report high percentages of youngsters in both groups with depressive symptoms. This review analyzes the construct and explanatory theories of depression and offers a succinct overview of the main evaluation instruments used to measure this disorder in children and adolescents, as well as the prevention programs developed for the school environment and the different types of clinical treatment provided. The analysis reveals that in mental classifications, the child depression construct is no different from the adult one, and that multiple explanatory theories must be taken into account in order to arrive at a full understanding of depression. Consequently, both treatment and prevention should also be multifactorial in nature. Although universal programs may be more appropriate due to their broad scope of application, the results are inconclusive and fail to demonstrate any solid long-term efficacy. In conclusion, we can state that: (1) There are biological factors (such as tryptophan-a building block for serotonin-depletion, for example) which strongly influence the appearance of depressive disorders; (2) Currently, negative interpersonal relations and relations with one's environment, coupled with social-cultural changes, may explain the increase observed in the prevalence of depression; (3) Many instruments can be used to evaluate depression, but it is necessary to continue to adapt tests for diagnosing the condition at an early age; (4) Prevention programs should be developed for and implemented at an early age; and (5) The majority of treatments are becoming increasingly rigorous and effective. Given that initial manifestations of depression may occur from a very early age, further and more in-depth research is required into the biological, psychological and social factors that, in an interrelated manner, may explain the appearance, development, and treatment of depression.

Anxiety and depression among school students in Jordan: Prevalence, risk factors, and predictors

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression, examine their relationships with sociodemographic factors and Internet addiction, and identify their main predictors among Jordanian school students aged 12-18 years.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A descriptive correlational study was conducted on a random sample of 800 students from 10 public schools in Amman. Symptom Checklist-anxiety, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, and Young's Internet Addiction Tool were used for the purpose.

FINDINGS

Overall, 42.1 and 73.8% of the students were experiencing anxiety and depression. Risk factors for both problems were school class and Internet addiction, with the latter being the main predictor.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Increasing students' and stakeholders' awareness of mental illnesses and health programs and developing counseling centers to meet the students' needs are necessary.