Prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among Jordanian adolescents : a cross-sectional study

Adolescence is a critical phase in which physical, psychological, and intellectual challenges occur. This study assesses the prevalence and correlates of depression and anxiety among a national sample of adolescents. A cross-sectional correlational design using depression, anxiety, and stress scale was used. Our data revealed that 49.1% and 78.2% of Jordanian adolescents had severe depressive symptoms and anxiety, respectively. Depression and anxiety had a significant positive correlation with gender and age and a negative relationship with monthly income and fathers’ and mothers’ educational levels. Binary logistic regression revealed that the whole model for depression had a coefficient of determination X²: (4, N 1,344), R² (.149); p <.005, whereas the overall model for anxiety showed a coefficient of determination X²: (4, N 1,344), R² (.091); p <.005. This study indicates that depression and anxiety are highly prevalent among Jordanian adolescents. Thus, prioritizing funds for mental health services is paramount.