South African adolescents' beliefs about depression.

Journal: The International journal of social psychiatry

Volume: 62

Issue: 2

Year of Publication: 2016

Affiliated Institutions:  School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia shilpazq@gmail.com. School of Medicine, Deakin University, Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, Australia Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia. South African Depression Anxiety Support Group, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Abstract summary 

This study explores the depression literacy in adolescents in South Africa.A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 2,050 students from disadvantaged secondary schools in Johannesburg region.A total of 90.9% reported depression as an illness, and 41.4% considered it a sign of weakness. Parents and siblings followed by friends and teachers were the preferred support options. The indicators of depression identified were socialisation pattern changes (24.6%), sad mood (23.6%), sleeping and eating pattern changes (18.3%), irritable behaviour (12.5%) and other health risk behaviours (9.7%).The majority considered depression an illness. An improvement in adolescent mental health literacy will increase access to help when needed.

Authors & Co-authors:  Aggarwal Shilpa S Berk Michael M Taljard Lian L Wilson Zane Z

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations : 
Authors :  4
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1177/0020764015618226
SSN : 1741-2854
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
Depression;South Africa;adolescents;beliefs
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
South Africa
Publication Country
England