Factors associated with childhood depression in saskatoon students: A multilevel analysis

Abstract

This study examined links between depression and multilevel factors among children from Saskatoon elementary schools. A total of 4,200 students participated in the Saskatoon Student Health Survey conducted in 2008-9. Covariates included demographics and family structure, relationships, physical activity, bullying experiences, and school refusal behaviours. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to examine the impact of individual-level and school-level (contextual) factors. The study revealed that depression disparity existed among schools, and students' school refusal behaviours such as skipping or being suspended from school were among the main factors contributing to the disparity between schools. Copyright © 2013 - Canadian Periodical for Community Studies Inc.