Prevalence of Anxiety and Depression in Adolescent Girls in Lahijan and Associated Demographic Factors

Introduction: Anxiety and depression are common mental health disordersthat threaten physical and mental health and quality of life of adolescents and cause defects in their performance.. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression among adolescent girls in Lahijan, along with the associated demographic factors. Methods: This analytical-cross-sectional survey involved 291 girls aged 15 to 18, selected through convenience sampling method from public all-female' high schools in Lahijan in early 2024. Youth Anxiety Measure for DSM-5 and Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale were the research tools. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS-26, independent t-tests, univariate and multivariate analyses of variance. Results: The prevalence rates of anxiety and depression among girls were 3/8% and 3/1%. Girls with physical illnesses exhibited higher levels of major depression, suicide, overall depression score, overall anxiety score, and panic compared to their healthy peers(P<0/05). Those with mental disorders reported higher levels of major depression, suicide, overall depression score, selective mutism, and panic compared to those without such disorders(P<0/05). 11th-grade girls demonstrated higher levels of separation anxiety, generalized anxiety, and overall anxiety score than 10th-grade girls(P<0/05). No significant differences were observed in anxiety and depression among girls from different fields of study(mathematics, empirical sciences, and humanities)(P>0/05). Conclusion: The study revealed a relatively low prevalence of anxiety and depression, which was associated with the girls' histories of physical and mental disorders, as well as their educational grade. These findings hold significant implications for school administrators and health professionals.