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Journal of Public Health

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01-08-2021 | Original Article

Analysis of risk and protective factors for psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Tanzania

Authors: Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Louis Kobina Dadzie, Edward Kwabena Ameyaw, Eugene Budu

Published in: Journal of Public Health | Issue 4/2021

Abstract

Introduction

Psychosocial distress has emerged as one of the world’s major public health problems, especially among adolescents in both low- and middle-income countries. This study used data from the 2015 version of the Global School-Based Health Survey to determine the risk and protective factors for psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Tanzania.

Materials and methods

Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the magnitude of associations. A total of 2936 students participated in the study, of which 52.3% were female.

Results

Psychosocial distress was found in 16.9% of the students at similar rates for both males and females. The risk factors associated with psychosocial distress were hunger (OR = 1.57, p < 0.001), being bullied (OR = 1.92, p < 0.001), being attacked (OR = 1.31, p < 0.05), engaging in physical activity (OR = 1.33, p < 0.05), truancy (OR = 1.28, p < 0.05) and tobacco use (OR = 2.40, p < 0.01). However, the protective factors were grade (OR = 0.55, p < 0.01) and having one or two (OR = 0.56, p < 0.01) and three or more close friends (OR = 0.57, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The prevalence of psychosocial distress among adolescents in Tanzania is relatively high and appears to be common among both sexes. To reduce psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents, more attention needs to be paid to the risk factors whiles encouraging healthy relationships among adolescents and their close friends.

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Title: Analysis of risk and protective factors for psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Tanzania
Authors: Abdul-Aziz Seidu
Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
Louis Kobina Dadzie
Edward Kwabena Ameyaw
Eugene Budu
Publication date: 01-08-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health / Issue 4/2021
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-019-01185-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Analysis of risk and protective factors for psychosocial distress among in-school adolescents in Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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