Risk factors associated with depression in adolescents of the Jardines del Este urbanization, Ecuador

Adolescent depression constitutes a public health issue that affects multiple dimensions of their lives, including emotional well-being, social development, and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with depression in adolescents from the Jardines del Este community, considering their influence in personal, family, and social domains, to establish a solid foundation for future strategies in mental health promotion and prevention within this population. A cross-sectional research design with a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach was employed, using surveys administered to a population of 59 adolescents. The 13 variables analyzed included, among others: self-esteem, family coexistence, academic performance, academic workload, violence, bullying, psychoactive substance use, and parents' marital status. Results showed that 45% of males and 50% of females presented low self-esteem, while 61% of males and 56% of females reported low academic performance. Additionally, 51% of males and 68% of females indicated having been victims of violence. These conditions are associated with greater emotional vulnerability, stress, and an increased risk of developing depression. It is concluded that these risk factors are interrelated and significantly impact adolescents' emotional well-being, highlighting the need to design contextualized intervention strategies focused on strengthening social and family support, improving school coexistence, and promoting mental health in this community