Prevalence and patterns of anxiety, depressive, hyperactivity, and inattention symptoms among secondary and high school students: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and inattention symptoms among secondary school and high school students. The research specifically focused on understanding the status of these mental health symptoms in the adolescent population. This cross-sectional study involved 529 students (40.5% males, 59.5% females) aged 12--18 years who were selected via a convenience sampling method from various secondary and high schools. Four separate questionnaires were developed to measure anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and inattention symptoms via a 4-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data. The findings indicated that anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and inattention symptoms were generally low, with overall mean scores falling at the "Never" level for most symptoms. However, some symptoms, particularly inattention, were present at the "sometimes" level, suggesting occasional challenges in focus and concentration. Anxiety symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating and persistent worry, were also notable. Depressive symptoms, such as self-criticism and sadness, although less common, were observed. While severe mental health symptoms are not consistently observed, the presence of certain anxiety, depression, and inattention symptoms suggests the need for early intervention. Schools should implement mental health support programs to address these occasional symptoms, which can affect academic performance and overall well-being.