Anxiety, depression, and associated factors among 12th-grade students at Trung Vuong High School, Ho Chi Minh city
Abstract
Background: Anxiety and depression are important contributors that hinder adolescents’ academic functioning, limit their capacity to develop social relationships, and are associated with reduced quality of life.
Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 626 12th-grade students at Trung Vuong High School was conducted to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and to examine associated factors. The 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Results: The prevalence of students exhibiting symptoms of anxiety and depression was 64.4% and 54.6%, respectively. Factors associated with anxiety and depression included family conflict, frequency of being compared with other peers by parent(s), excessively high parental expectations, frequency of self-perceived academic pressure, frequency of pre-examination stress, frequency of pressure to gain university admission, difficulties in peer relationships, and feelings of inferiority compared with peers.
Conclusions: Schools and parents should provide ongoing encouragement and support for twelfth-grade students’ learning, while minimizing undue pressure and social comparison, particularly in the period preceding the National High School Graduation Examination.
DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.5.2.16
