TY - JOUR
T1 - Depressive symptoms among Jordanian youth
T2 - Results of a national survey
AU - Ismayilova, Leyla
AU - Hmoud, Olimat
AU - Alkhasawneh, Esra
AU - Shaw, Stacey
AU - El-Bassel, Nabila
PY - 2013/2
Y1 - 2013/2
N2 - This study examines level of depression and factors associated with depression among female and male youth in Jordan. The study uses data from a cross-sectional survey conducted among a national sample of 14-25 year old youth attending educational institutions in Jordan (N = 8,129). On average, respondents reported frequently experiencing feelings of sadness (66 %), loss of joy (49 %) and loss of hope in living (43 %). Regression models demonstrated that higher levels of depressive symptoms were observed among females and among youth exposed to violence. Better parent-child relationships were associated with lower depression score. Among males depressive symptoms were associated with poor economic status, low assertiveness and a higher likelihood of alcohol use and smoking. There is a need for mental health prevention programs for youth in Jordan that enhance youth's social and emotional skills, strengthen parent-child relationships, and reduce violence in school, home and in the community.
AB - This study examines level of depression and factors associated with depression among female and male youth in Jordan. The study uses data from a cross-sectional survey conducted among a national sample of 14-25 year old youth attending educational institutions in Jordan (N = 8,129). On average, respondents reported frequently experiencing feelings of sadness (66 %), loss of joy (49 %) and loss of hope in living (43 %). Regression models demonstrated that higher levels of depressive symptoms were observed among females and among youth exposed to violence. Better parent-child relationships were associated with lower depression score. Among males depressive symptoms were associated with poor economic status, low assertiveness and a higher likelihood of alcohol use and smoking. There is a need for mental health prevention programs for youth in Jordan that enhance youth's social and emotional skills, strengthen parent-child relationships, and reduce violence in school, home and in the community.
KW - Arab adolescents
KW - Depression
KW - Jordan
KW - Middle East
KW - Youth mental health
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84872609429&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84872609429&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s10597-012-9529-7
DO - 10.1007/s10597-012-9529-7
M3 - Review article
C2 - 22820930
AN - SCOPUS:84872609429
SN - 0010-3853
VL - 49
SP - 133
EP - 140
JO - Community Mental Health Journal
JF - Community Mental Health Journal
IS - 1
ER -