Hygienic training of adolescents on the prevention and correction of depressive states

Objective: to assess the prevalence of depressive states and the level of knowledge about them among schoolchildren for the development of preventive educational programs. Material and methods. An anonymous voluntary survey was conducted in two stages with an interval of 4 years among students of grades 8-11 of general education institutions: a total of 575 teenagers were interviewed. The severity of depressive states was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale - HADS, the level of knowledge by questionnaire. Results. The prevalence of depressive states among schoolchildren in 2014 was 204 per 1000 examined, in 2018 - 211. During the observation period, the number of students who know nothing about depression significantly decreased to 37%, and to 56.2% who believe that nothing should be done in case of depression. The number of schoolchildren ready to see a doctor remains low (6.1%), the number of teenagers who consider self-medication possible has not changed (7.2%). The Internet remains the main source of information about depression. Discussing mood problems with others and using physical activity proved to be effective ways of self-correction of depressive states. Taking into account the results obtained, a conversation plan for students has been developed. Conclusion. The high prevalence of depressive manifestations, insufficient knowledge of students in this area has been revealed, which requires correction of educational programs for schoolchildren and regular monitoring of their awareness.