Factors associated with psychological distress among school-going adolescents in Bhutan: A national cross-sectional survey

Abstract

This investigation was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress (PD) among adolescent middle school children in Bhutan. Data from the nationally representative cross-sectional "2016 Bhutan Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)" were analysed that included 7,576 adolescents (16 years median age). Results show that the prevalence of PD was 15.8%, 18.4% among females and 12.8% among males. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, girls, increasing age, interpersonal violence (bullied and physical assault), not having close friends, low parental support (emotional neglect and not checking home work), problems from alcohol use, passive smoking, sexual behaviour, injury, infrequent fruit and vegetable intake and sedentary behaviour were associated with PD. Almost one in six students reported PD, and several associated variables were found.