Search

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigated the prevalence child depression in primary schools. Methods: 3685 students from Grade 3 to Grade 5 were selected from 7 primary schools of Pudong district in Shanghai by random and cluster sampling. The study design consisted of a screening stage in which the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children(CES-DC) were used, and a clinical interview stage in which the K-SADS-present state version (K-SADS) and DSM-IV were used. The diagnoses of depressive disorder were made according the DSM-IV criteria. Results: The prevalence of children depression was 1.60% (95%CI=1.19%∼2.00%). The prevalence rate of male(2.08%) was significant higher than that of female (1.09%)(X2=5.40, P=0.02). The rate of depressive disorder increased with age from 0.57% (8 years old) to 2.47% (12 years old). The prevalence of depression was no significant difference between ages from 8 to 12 years old (X2 =4.49, P=0.34). Conclusion: The prevalence rate of children depression in Shanghai is low. The prevalence of depression among boys is much higher than that of girls.It shows the prevalence of depression is no significant difference between ages from 8 to 12 years old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]