Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents with Low Vision and Blindness Attending Public Integrated Schools in Nepal

Introduction: Adolescent students with vision impairment face additional challenges in attaining optimal mental well-being, which impacts their pursuit of education and quality of life. Their mental health condition is unknown and unaddressed in Nepal. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among adolescent students with vision impairment in public integrated schools in Nepal. Material and Methods: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional study among adolescent students with blindness and low vision from four integrated schools in Nepal. Schools were purposively selected, two from Kathmandu Valley, the capital city, and two from western Nepal. Ethical approval was obtained before the study. All adolescents diagnosed with blindness and low vision were invited to participate in the study. Participation was voluntary. They were interviewed using the Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS) by trained enumerators. Depressive symptoms were defined to be present if the total DSRS score was greater than 14. Fisher’s exact test and odds ratios were used to assess variables linked to depressive symptoms. Results: Among 65 adolescent students with vision impairment, 7 (10.77%) had depressive symptoms. No significant association was found between depressive symptoms and sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, type of vision impairment, and site of the study. Conclusion: Adolescents with vision impairment are vulnerable to depressive symptoms in Nepal. A supportive, inclusive environment is recommended to enhance their mental health and well-being.