Depressive symptoms among young adults in the Philippines: Results from a nationwide cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: This study aims to estimate the proportion of young adults in the Philippines who experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms, identify the most frequently reported depressive symptoms, and, examine factors associated with depressive symptoms. Methods: Data were from a 2013 nationwide probability survey of 19,017 respondents, age 15–24. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a 12-item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. The distribution of depressive symptoms was examined using descriptive statistics and the adjusted and unadjusted association between sociodemographic factors, suicidal ideation, and moderate to severe depressive symptoms were estimated using log-binomial regression. Results: Up to 8.9% (95% CI=8.3–9.6) of young Filipino adults experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms and the prevalence is higher in females (10.2%) than males (7.6%). The symptom most often experienced in the general population was “not enjoying life”, while “loneliness” was the most frequently reported symptom in those with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms was higher in those with less education, persons who were separated/widowed/divorced, and residents in urban areas. Those with moderate to severe depressive symptoms are about twice more likely to experience suicidal ideation. Limitations: The version of CES-D included in the survey has not been validated for use among young Filipino adults. Conclusions: Close to 1 in 10 young adults (8.9%) in the Philippines experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Policies and mental health resources are needed to support young adults who are experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms.

Keywords

• Depressive symptoms
• Young adults
• Philippines
• Epidemiology
• CES-D