Vol. 9, Issue 11 (2020)

Background and objective: Depression among youth is an increasing area of concern worldwide. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of depression and factors associated with it.

Materials and Methods: A cross sectional analytical, community based survey was conducted among youth of Belur village, Karnataka. Total sample size was 250 and sample technique was systematic random sampling. Survey was conducted using semi structured questionnaire including Beck Depression inventory II scale (sensitivity 84.6%, Specificity 86.4% and α value .86) to measure depression. Associated factors were analysed by bivariate logistic regression.

Results: About 46.10 per cent of youth were found to be depressed. Among those with depression, a majority (95.00%) had mild and moderate degrees of depression. According to cut off scores 54.00 per cent were normal category of depression, 32.00 per cent were in mild category, 12.00 per cent were in moderate and 2.00 per cent were in severe category of depression. Age (odds ratio [OR] .588, confidence interval [CI] .373-.979), family type (OR 1.92, CI .93-.395), break up of romantic relationship (OR 3.164, CI .129-7.761), lack of support for the decision taken by youth at home (OR 2.238, CI 1.217-4.113) and frequent fights at home (OR 2.544, CI 1.438-4.503) were found to be associated with depression among youth.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among youth was found to be high (46.1%). Hence there is need to develop copying strategies among youth.