Anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents: a cross-sectional study, Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, 2024

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents aged 11-14 years and their association with family functionality and social support networks. Methods: This was a school-based cross-sectional study conducted in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul state. An online form was used to identify the participants’ profile, the Sluzki network map to measure social support, and the family APGAR to assess family functionality. Association analysis between variables was performed using the chi-square automatic interaction detection (CHAID) method. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: 374 students were evaluated. Among the participants, 46.3% presented symptoms of anxiety and 26.2% presented symptoms of depression. Adolescents with these symptoms had fewer close family members and people who were more distant in their social network. Girls reported more distant relationships in the family, community and work/study environment. Boys reported more close relationships in the community environment. 71.4% lived in dysfunctional families and 37.7% in extremely dysfunctional families. There was association between high family dysfunction and symptoms of anxiety (PR 4.67; 95%CI 2.35; 6.56) and depression (PR 5.26; 95%CI 3.08; 7.16). Conclusion: High prevalence of anxiety and depression was identified among the students. Sex differences indicate that boys maintain more close relationships. Further investigations are needed to deepen the understanding of these relationships and support prevention and intervention strategies.