Original Research

Depression and anxiety among Grade 11 and 12 learners attending schools in central Bloemfontein

M A A Strydom, P J Pretorius, G Joubert
South African Journal of Psychiatry | Vol 18, No 3 | a356 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajpsychiatry.v18i3.356 | © 2012 M A A Strydom, P J Pretorius, G Joubert | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 23 March 2012 | Published: 01 August 2012

About the author(s)

M A A Strydom, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
P J Pretorius, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
G Joubert, Department of Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Abstract

Objectives. Anxiety disorders are the most common childhood psychiatric disorders. Previous research suggests that South African rates may be high. Our study examined the prevalence and severity of anxiety and depression among Grade 11 and 12 learners attending schools in central Bloemfontein. Learners’ perception of the important stressors as well as the most relevant coping strategies were investigated.

Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted by using self-assessment rating scales and questionnaires. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to screen for anxiety and depressive symptoms. Participants were provided with an additional list of possible stressors and coping skills, from which they identified those applicable to themselves. All students enrolled in Grades 11 and 12 at the selected schools during August 2009 were eligible for inclusion.

Results. Five hundred and fifteen learners participated in the study, of whom 32.0% presented with moderate or severe anxiety and 5.3% with moderate or severe depressive symptoms. Mild symptoms were reported by an additional 29.0% on the anxiety subscale and 14% on the depression subscale of the HADS. Academic workload was reported as the main source of stress (81.4%).

Conclusions. Although the study has limitations in terms of methodology and size, resulting in undetermined validity, it indicates possible higher prevalence rates for anxiety and depression than in previous South African studies and worldwide prevalence rates for adolescents. Pupils were generally hesitant to seek help from formal assistance structures provided by the schools, and preferred discussing problems with parents or friends.


Keywords

No related keywords in the metadata.

Metrics

Total abstract views: 3821
Total article views: 21664

 

Crossref Citations

1. Teacher awareness of psychosocial support available as per the Integrated School Health Policy in South Africa
Jace Pillay, Leila Patel, Rubina Setlhare-Kajee
South African Journal of Childhood Education  vol: 12  issue: 1  year: 2022  
doi: 10.4102/sajce.v12i1.1172