J Korean Acad Nurs. 2011 Aug;41(4):550-557. Korean.
Published online Aug 31, 2011.
© 2011 Korean Society of Nursing Science
Original Article

Factors Influencing Depression among Middle-School Girls

Haejung Lee,1 Hee Young Jung,2 Eunyoung Yun,3 Hwa-Yun Um,4 and Young-Ju Jee5
    • 1Professor, College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea.
    • 2Doctoral Student, College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea.
    • 3General Manager, Department of Biostatistics Clinical Trial Center, Pusan National Universtiy Hospital, Busan, Korea.
    • 4School Nurse, Sajik High School, Busan, Korea.
    • 5Doctoral Student, College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Busan, Korea.
Received August 20, 2010; Accepted August 04, 2011.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression among school girls in Korea and identify factors influencing the tendency to depression.

Methods

A self-report survey was conducted with South Korean middle schoolgirls who were in the 8th and 9th grades. Four hundred and one schoolgirls were included in the study. The instruments utilized in this study were the Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale and Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple logistic regression with SPSS WIN 14.0 program.

Results

The average depression score of the participants was 20.68, which indicates moderate levels of depression. About 35% of the schoolgirls in this study reported a tendency to depression. Significant predictors for depression were 'decreased problem-solving abilities', 'no family members with whom they can discuss their concern', 'decreased satisfaction in relationship with friends', and 'increased negative self-perception of body-image'.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that schoolgirls require special concern regarding the risk of developing depression. Regular depression screening could be beneficial for early detection of depression in schoolgirls and enhancing problem-solving ability could be considered as an effective strategy to reduce the risk of depression among schoolgirls.

Keywords
Depression; Problem solving; Adolescent

Figures

Figure 1
Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve for predictors.

Tables

Table 1
Comparison of Characteristics between Non-depressed and Depressed Groups (N=401)

Table 2
Multiple Logistic Regression - Predictors of Depression in Middle School Girls (N=401)

Notes

This work was supported by a 2-Year Research Grant of Pusan National University.

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