(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Experts say that the percentage of young people with symptoms of depression in Oman is a cause of worry. A study by the Behavioural Medicine Department at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) on students showed that 27 per cent had depression of varying grades. Another study by the department investigating the rate and correlatives of depressive symptoms among secondary school students in Oman found that 17 per cent of the respondents showed the symptoms. Those with a personal history of mental illness or chronic physical illness were more likely to have depressive symptoms, the study said.
Dr Hassan Mirza, psychiatrist at the Behavioural Medicine Department said, ''The rates mentioned above indicate that depression among the young in Oman is worrisome and serious measures need to be taken for screening, early detection and management of these cases. All cases related to children and adolescents are referred to our department.''
He said that though depression is a multi-factorial disease, the most common cause in the country is the constant pressure among youths to perform well. He added, ''We don't have sufficient data as there hasn't been a study done on adolescents in the country yet. The child and adolescent health issue has been neglected due to lack of data. Social media is also a cause as it is producing a generation with less human to human interaction. We might be producing a generation with aggressive behavioural issues.'' The common causes of death among youths in Oman are road accidents, drug overdose and deliberate self-harm.
Dr Nasser al Sibani, director of the Psychiatry Department at Al Masarrah Hospital said, ''The health of adolescents and children should be given attention. To begin with, the government and authorities should allocate infrastructure and initiate a study.''
He added, ''There are cases of suicide and self harm. Although there is no number available, it is an issue to be certainly concerned about. Another issue is easy availability of drugs.''
A recent report by the World Health Organization (WHO), 'Health for the World's Adolescents' reveals that depression is the prime cause of illness and disability among young boys and girls aged ten to 19 years. It lists road traffic injuries, HIV/AIDS and suicide as the top three causes of adolescent deaths globally. Drawing from published evidence and consultations with ten to 19 year olds around the world, the report also brings together, for the first time, all WHO guidance on the full spectrum of health issues affecting adolescents. These include tobacco, alcohol and drug use, HIV, injuries, mental health, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health and violence. The report recommends key actions to strengthen the ways countries respond to adolescents' physical and mental health needs.
One of the SQU studies states that having a hobby, regular breakfast, not smoking, enough sleep, physical exercises at least thrice a week and having a high score in relationships with social contacts shield against symptoms of depressi
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