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Objectives <p>Adolescent mental health is a growing concern, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Mental health challenges affect both boys and girls; however, the burden and determinants vary by gender. This study investigates depressive symptoms among adolescent boys, focusing on how health behaviours, familial characteristics, and socioeconomic and demographic factors contribute to their mental health.</p> Method <p>Data were drawn from the ‘Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults’ survey (2015-16), focusing on 2,004 boys aged 14–19 years in Bihar. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and negative binomial regression was applied to assess the adjusted effects of various covariates.</p> Results <p>The mean depression score among adolescent boys was 1.3. Boys not living with their parents had a 3.54 times higher rate of depression than those living with their parents. Experiencing harassment through mobile phones or the internet (IRR: 2.25), witnessing and experiencing parental violence (IRR: 1.74), physical inactivity (IRR: 1.71 for occasional activity; IRR: 1.62 for inactivity), and substance use (IRR: 1.22) were significant predictors. Older boys (IRR: 1.21), rural residents (IRR: 1.36), and higher education (IRR: 1.71 for 8–9 years of schooling) further heightened the risks of depression.</p> Conclusion <p>Findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions. Key strategies include family counselling support systems, safer digital practices, anti-violence campaigns, and promotion of physical activity. Policies must address rural-urban disparities and ensure equitable access to mental health services. A multi-sectoral approach is essential to improving adolescent boys’ mental well-being in Bihar and similar contexts.</p>

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Magnitude and Determinants of Depressive Symptoms among Adolescent Boys in Bihar, India: a Cross-sectional Study

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月5日

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  • Shailendra Kumar,
  • K. Anil Kumar

摘要

Objectives

Adolescent mental health is a growing concern, particularly in resource-constrained settings. Mental health challenges affect both boys and girls; however, the burden and determinants vary by gender. This study investigates depressive symptoms among adolescent boys, focusing on how health behaviours, familial characteristics, and socioeconomic and demographic factors contribute to their mental health.

Method

Data were drawn from the ‘Understanding the Lives of Adolescents and Young Adults’ survey (2015-16), focusing on 2,004 boys aged 14–19 years in Bihar. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and negative binomial regression was applied to assess the adjusted effects of various covariates.

Results

The mean depression score among adolescent boys was 1.3. Boys not living with their parents had a 3.54 times higher rate of depression than those living with their parents. Experiencing harassment through mobile phones or the internet (IRR: 2.25), witnessing and experiencing parental violence (IRR: 1.74), physical inactivity (IRR: 1.71 for occasional activity; IRR: 1.62 for inactivity), and substance use (IRR: 1.22) were significant predictors. Older boys (IRR: 1.21), rural residents (IRR: 1.36), and higher education (IRR: 1.71 for 8–9 years of schooling) further heightened the risks of depression.

Conclusion

Findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions. Key strategies include family counselling support systems, safer digital practices, anti-violence campaigns, and promotion of physical activity. Policies must address rural-urban disparities and ensure equitable access to mental health services. A multi-sectoral approach is essential to improving adolescent boys’ mental well-being in Bihar and similar contexts.