COVID-19, adversities and depression among older adolescents in urban slums of India

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

We report findings from a survey on the mental health impact of COVID-19 factoring environmental adversities among older adolescents (15–19 years) living in urban slums in India.

Methods

We report survey results of 3490 older adolescents. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 was used to assess depression, slum adversity questionnaire for slum conditions, and for COVID-19 infection we recorded self-reported positivity status. Sociodemographic details were also collected. Additional sub-group analyses of sample who had depression and tested positive for COVID-19 infection was conducted. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to identify factors and COVID-19 infection that were associated with depression.

Results

Adolescents with adversities were three times more likely to report depression. Adolescents who reported COVID-19 infection were about two times more likely to have depression. Sub-group analyses showed that adolescents having experienced adversities and girls were more likely to report depression following COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions

There is a need for an intersectional research framework that incorporates stress arising out of a pandemic, social disadvantage, and systemic inequities. Such a framework will help to assess mental health issues of developmentally vulnerable groups residing in disadvantageous conditions.

SUBMITTER: Daniel M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9214822 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature