Prevalence and Determinants of Depression among Urban High School Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from North Karnataka, India

Introduction: Depression is a common mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, disturbed sleep and appetite, poor concentration, and fatigue. Adolescence is a critical transitional phase marked by rapid physical, psychological, and social changes that may predispose individuals to mental health problems such as depression. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression and associated risk factors among urban high school students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 high school students selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, personal and family history, academic performance, and extracurricular activities. Depression was assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory. Results: Of the participants, 329 (54.8%) were males and 271 (45.2%) were females. The overall prevalence of depression was 18.0%. Depression was significantly associated with parental education and occupation, living arrangements, sleep patterns, family history of serious or mental illness, recent death in the family, substance use or violent behavior among family members, academic failure, repetition of an academic year, and participation in extracurricular activities. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a considerable burden of depression among urban high school students. Improving mental health awareness among parents, teachers, and communities, along with ensuring access to school-based counselling services, is essential for early identification and prevention of adolescent depression.