DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2025.v13i07.022

Pages: 1480-1499

Hypothesis: Most studies of depressed mood and its correlates in adolescents have been conducted in Western countries and most of these studies show high adolescent depression prevalane and besides that most of them are significantly underdiagnosed and under treated. The present epidemiological study was designed to assess the prevalence and pattern of depression in a secondary school sample of khartoum bahri localty adolescents. Methods: A Cross-sectional survey, using the Arabic Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI), has been conducted. Participants: Secondary school students (n = 400, 195 (48.8%) males and 205 females “51%”) of age group from (16 to 19). Results: The prevalence of depression according to the Beck Depression Inventory (CBDI) (cut-off point: 19) was 108 (27 %) as moderate (19-29), 46 (11.5%) as severe (30-40), and 7 (1.75%) as very severe, with a clear predominance prevalence of depression in girls than in boys (1.5 times). Statistical analysis demonstrated that the most significant risk factors involved were: sex, increasing age, dificulty in dealing with family and friend, history of psychiatric illness, and familial history of psychiatric illness. Conclusion: Our findings provide gender differences in the prevalence and presentation of depressive symptoms. The experience psychiatric illness of increase the risk of depression. Assessment using screening is recommended. The increased risk for the onset of depression in adolescents reinforces the importance of early recognition and intervention.