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International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Depression among AIDS-orphaned children higher than among other orphaned children in southern India

Authors: SG Prem Kumar, Rakhi Dandona, G Anil Kumar, SP Ramgopal, Lalit Dandona

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Systematic data on mental health issues among orphaned children are not readily available in India. This study explored depression and its associated risk factors among orphaned children in Hyderabad city in south India.

Methods

400 orphaned children drawn equally from AIDS and non-AIDS orphan groups aged 12–16 years residing in orphanages in and around Hyderabad city in southern India were recruited to assess depression and associated risk factors using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-DC). Variation in the intensity of depression was assessed using multiple classification analysis (MCA).

Results

397 (99%) orphans provided complete interviews in the study of whom 306 (76.5%) were aged 12 to 14 years, and 206 (51.8%) were paternal orphans. Children orphaned by AIDS were significantly more likely to report being bullied by friends or relatives (50.3%) and report experiencing discrimination (12.6%) than those orphaned due to other reasons (p < 0.001). The overall prevalence of depression score >15 with CES-DC was 74.1% (95% CI 69.7-78.4) with this being significantly higher for children orphaned by AIDS (84.4%, 95% CI 79.4 – 89.5) than those due to other reasons (63.6%, 95% CI 56.9 – 70.4). Mean depression score was significantly higher for children orphaned by AIDS (34.6) than the other group (20.6; p < 0.001). Among the children orphaned by AIDS, the bulk of depression score was clustered in 12–14 years age groups whereas in the children orphaned by other reasons it was clustered in the 15–16 years age group (p = 0.001). MCA analysis showed being a child orphaned by AIDS had the highest effect on the intensity of depression (Beta = 0.473).

Conclusions

Children orphaned by AIDS had significantly higher depressive symptoms than the other orphaned children. These findings could be used for further planning of mental health interventions to meet the mental health needs of orphaned children, that could include preventive, diagnostic and treatment services.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Depression among AIDS-orphaned children higher than among other orphaned children in southern India
Authors
SG Prem Kumar
Rakhi Dandona
G Anil Kumar
SP Ramgopal
Lalit Dandona
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-4458-8-13

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