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Prevalence and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Young AdolescentsMartha Y. Kubik, PhD; Leslie A. Lytle, PhD; Amanda S. Birnbaum, MPH, PhD; David M. Murray, PhD; Cheryl L. Perry, PhD, FAAHB
Objectives:
To assess prevalence
of elevated depressive symptoms
in young adolescents and examine
associations between symptoms
and sociodemographic and behavioral
factors.
Methods:
Cross-sectional
survey data from 3621 seventh
grade students from 16 middle
schools were analyzed. Results:
Elevated depressive symptoms
were reported by 40% of girls and
30% of boys. Socioeconomic status,
race/ethnicity, and age group
were independently associated with
depressive symptomatology. For
girls, monthly alcohol use, monthly
smoking, heavy drinking, and inhalant
use were significant correlates.
For boys, monthly alcohol use and
inhalant use were significant.
Conclusions:
Elevated depressive symptomatology
was a prevalent problem.
Substance use was often associated
with depressive symptoms,
especially among girls.
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