Anh Vinh Ngo

Viet Nam National Children's Hospital, Vietnam

Title: Prevalence and Associated Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among High School Students in Urban Vietnam: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Biography

Abstract

Background: Depressive symptoms among adolescents are an increasing public health concern, with substantial impacts on academic performance and long-term well-being. Evidence from urban Vietnam remains limited, particularly regarding multilevel determinants.

Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 640 high school students from one public and one private school in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2025. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), with a cutoff score of ?10 indicating clinically significant depressive symptoms. Sociodemographic, behavioral, family, peer, and school-related factors were collected. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associated factors.

Results: Overall, 33.9% of students reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Female students had higher odds of depressive symptoms (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.47–3.33), and academic pressure was significantly associated with increased odds (aOR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.40–3.05). Students attending private schools also had higher odds (aOR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.02–2.22). Lack of peer support and excessive social media use were associated with depressive symptoms, while lack of parental support and family conflict showed strong associations.

Conclusions: Depressive symptoms are highly prevalent among urban adolescents in Vietnam and are associated with psychosocial, family, and school-related factors. Academic pressure and insufficient social support are key modifiable factors, highlighting the need for school-based mental health interventions and strengthened family engagement.