Factors Associated with Depression in New Conscripts
Main Article Content
Abstract
Objectives : To examine the prevalence of depression and its associated factors in new
conscripts.
Methods : Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using Thai-PHQ-9 for
depression screening and the developed questionnaire was utilized for collecting the
demographic data, factors and opinions about living in the battalions and military training
in 441 new conscripts enlisted in May 2018 in Royal Thai Air Force Security Force
Regiment, King’s Guard.
Results : Prevalence of depression in new conscripts was 19.41%. Demographic data
which significantly associated with depression included educational level, being main
family members who made a living for families, previous physical and psychiatric illness,
and interest in exercise. Factors and opinions about living in the battalions and on
military training which predicted incidence of depression included “not agree” response
in items about appropriateness on time they were allowed to see families or friends,
their relationship with friends in the battalions, numbers of hours in military training,
punishments by military instructors, facilities in the battalions; sense of belonging to the
battalions; feeling proud to be conscripts; and attitudes towards enlistment that it was
a good experience in their lives. The strongest factor was “not agree” response in items
about appropriateness on time they were allowed to see families or friends.
Conclusions : Prevalence of depression in new conscripts was higher than in normal
population. Incidence of depression associated with both demographic data and factors
and opinions about living in the battalions and on military training.
Article Details
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