Prevalence of depression and suicidal risks in Thai adolescents: a survey in schools from 13 Public Health Region

Prevalence of depression and suicidal risks in Thai adolescents

Authors

  • Wimonwan Panyawong, M.Sc. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute
  • Rattanasak Santitadakul, Ph.D. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute
  • Chosita Pavasuthipaisit, MD. M.Sc. Child and Adolescent Mental Health Rajanagarindra Institute

Keywords:

adolescents, depression, prevalence, Public Health Region, suicidal idea

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of depression and suicidal ideation of Thai adolescents in schools from 13 Public Health Region.

Methods: The samples were adolescents in schools aged between 11 and 19 years old from 13 Public Health Region Thailand. The Thai version of Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) was used. Descriptive statistics and Odd Ratios (OR) were used for data analysis.

Results: From a total of 5,345 children, 17.5% were possibly diagnosable with depression (PHQ-A score ≥ 10) and 50.0% had mild depression (PHQ-A score 5-9). The Public Health Region found to have the highest proportion of adolescents with depression were the 5th (25.0%), 7th (24.0%), and 13th (23.9%) respectively. In terms of suicidality 20.5% had thoughts of death; 5.1% had suicidal thoughts; and 6.4% has attempted suicide at least once. Regarding the severities of suicidal risk, of the 22.5% who reported suicidal risk, 2.2% exhibited high risk. Moreover, teenagers who had suicidal risk were 9.8 times more likely to have depression than those who did not (OR = 9.8; 95% CI. 8.4-11.5).

Conclusion: The results illustrated the magnitude of Thai adolescents with depression and suicidal problems in schools who should receive proper treatment as soon as possible. Screening system in school and referral system to mental services would be recommended.

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Published

2020-05-13

How to Cite

1.
Panyawong W, Santitadakul R, Pavasuthipaisit C. Prevalence of depression and suicidal risks in Thai adolescents: a survey in schools from 13 Public Health Region: Prevalence of depression and suicidal risks in Thai adolescents. J Ment Health Thai [internet]. 2020 May 13 [cited 2026 Jan. 1];28(2):136-49. available from: https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jmht/article/view/210760

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