Objective: To study the prevalence of depression and factors related to depression in hearing impaired high school students in Sodsuksasongkhla School, Songkhla province, Thailand.
Material and Method: This study was a cross-sectional study in high school students in Mathayomsuksa 1-6. A total of 125 students were assessed with a self-reported questionnaire and Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) Thai version.
Results: A representative sample of 111 students (88.8%) was taken from the 125 students. The demographic data showed a mean age of 17.2 years, 56.8% were female and 66.7% were Buddhists. The prevalence of clinical depression (CDI>15) was 57.3%. An analysis of the study showed factors significantly related to clinical depression were studying in Mathayomsuksa 1-3 [adjusted odds ratio=6.1, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=2.2, 17.2], parental death (adjusted odds ratio=3.6, 95% CI=1.1, 12.2) and financial problem (adjusted odds ratio=3.1, 95% CI=1.1, 8.7).
Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in hearing impaired high school students was high (57.3%), especially in those who had financial problem or parental loss or were studying in Mathayomsuksa 1-3. Parents, teachers, and physicians should monitor and follow them closely.