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Factors Associated with Childhood Depression in Saskatoon Students: A Multilevel Analysis

Publication: Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
26 March 2013

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.

Résumé

Cette étude nous a permis d'analyser les liens entre différents facteurs et la dépression chez les enfants qui fréquentent l’école élémentaire, grâce aux données d'une étude sur la santé menée auprès de 4 200 enfants en 2008–2009 à Saskatoon (la Saskatoon Student Health Survey). Les covariables que nous avons examinées sont les suivantes: des facteurs démographiques, la structure familiale, les relations avec les parents, l'activité physique, le fait d'avoir subi de l'intimidation et des comportements liés au refus scolaire. Nous avons utilisé un modèle de régression logistique à plusieurs niveaux pour analyser l'impact des différents facteurs qui agissent soit au niveau individuel soit au niveau collectif (l’école). Nos résultats montrent que la situation n'est pas la même dans toutes les écoles, et que ces différences sont principalement dues à des comportements liés au refus scolaire (faire l’école buissonnière ou être suspendu de l’école, par exemple).

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health
Volume 32Number 1March 2013
Pages: 29 - 42

History

Version of record online: 26 March 2013

Key Words

  1. Childhood depression
  2. multilevel model
  3. physical activity
  4. bullying
  5. school refusal behaviours

Mots-clés

  1. dépression infantile
  2. modèle à plusieurs niveaux
  3. activité physique
  4. intimidation
  5. refus scolaire

Authors

Affiliations

Shan Jin
University of Saskatchewan
Nazeem Muhajarine
University of Saskatchewan
Jennifer Cushon
Public Health Observatory, Saskatoon Health Region
Hyun J. Lim
University of Saskatchewan

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