Depressive symptoms among Jordanian youth: Results of a national survey

Leyla Ismayilova*, Olimat Hmoud, Esra Alkhasawneh, Stacey Shaw, Nabila El-Bassel

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

31 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)133-140
Number of pages8
JournalCommunity Mental Health Journal
Volume49
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2013

Keywords

  • Arab adolescents
  • Depression
  • Jordan
  • Middle East
  • Youth mental health

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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