Citation

Watson TS, Geetha D, Beena KV, Beena M, Ellangovan K, Thennarasu K. East Asian Arch. Psychiatry 2017; 27(2): 56-62.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Hong Kong Academy of Medicine Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among adolescents in India. This study assessed psychological distress among adolescents who attended school in Kerala, India.

Methods: A total of 7560 students from 73 schools, aged 12 to 19 years completed a self-administered questionnaire that included Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and other standardised instruments to assess various domains.

Results: Mild psychological distress was reported by 10.5%, moderate distress by 5.4%, and severe distress by 4.9% of students. Older age, not living with both parents, and urban residence were significantly associated with psychological distress (p < 0.05). Students who experienced psychological distress had a higher risk of reporting academic failure, alcohol and tobacco use, suicidality, and sexual abuse. Increasing severity of psychological distress was associated with higher odds of these correlates.

Conclusions: Psychological distress is common among adolescents and its correlates with negative outcomes suggest the need for early recognition and treatment.

Language: en