Depression prevalence and its correlation with the psychosocial need satisfaction among Kashan high-school female students

The prevalence of depression among teenagers is %10-%70. Among the different risk factors, insufficient satisfaction of psychosocial needs is notable. Hence, the present study was carried out for evaluating the prevalence of depression among this age group and also determining its correlation with psychosocial need satisfaction (PSNS) by their parents.

This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 762 female high school students in Kashan province during the year 2006. Sampling was done using random clustering method from different grades among the public and private schools. The Beck depression test, PSNS questionnaire as well as the relevant demographic data were collected. Data was analyzed using ANOVA, Chi-square and Pearson correlation coefficient tests.

The prevalence of depression in our study was %53.5. The frequency of undesired PSNS by parents was %27.8. While there was a significant correlation between depression and PSNS of teenagers met by parents (P=0.01) or also father's education (P=0.05), but no significant correlation was seen between depression and the student’s age, parent’s age, job, mother’s education and also the years of parent education.

Inclusion of regular meetings in psychosocial health program by parents is recommended for relief of depression.