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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Chih-Wei Yang¹, Yi-Hsin Yang², Mei-Chu Yen Jean³, Tai-Jui Chen¹, and Li-Min Su⁴. (1) Department of Psychiatry, E-DA Hospital, No. 1, Yi-Da Road, Jiau-Shu Tsuen, Yan-Chau Shiang, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan, +88676150011, ed100736@edah.org.tw, (2) Graduate Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, No 100, Shi Chuan 1st Road, San Ming District, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan, (3) Department of Family Medicine, E-DA Hospital, No. 1, Yi-Da Road, Jiau-Shu Tsuen, Yan-Chau Shiang, Kaohsiung, 824, Taiwan, (4) I-SHOU University, No 1, Sec 1, Hsueh Cheng Road, Ta Hsu Shiang, Kaohsiung County, 824, Taiwan

Background: Adolescent depression is a widespread problem with extensive psychosocial consequences. The objective of this prospective study was to investigate adolescent depression and its relationship to school dropouts and accidents after 6 months follow up in a university campus. Methods: A total of 2,056 freshmen students age 17-19 in a university in south Taiwan participated in this study. They were asked to complete the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) during the entrance physical examination in September, 2004. After six months the records of school dropouts and accidents near campus were colleted from the department of student affairs. Results: The mean age of our subjects was 18.7 years, and 59.1% were males. The percentage of moderate to severe depression scores of CES-D in male and female adolescents were 22.6% and 30.5%. Female adolescents had more depression problems in frequency and severity (p<0.001). Adolescents who had severe depression (CES-D scores from 31 to 60) were at higher risk of school dropouts (odds ratio=14.49). The association of depression and accidents was not obvious. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that adolescent depression at the time they entered the school was associated with school dropouts in the first six months. Psychoeducation and intervention programs aimed at reducing depression were important in university campus.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the condition and prevalence of adolescent depression in university campus.
• Recognize the association of adolescent depression and school dropouts in university campus.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Depression

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered