J Agric Med Community Health.  2021 Dec;46(4):242-252. 10.5393/JAMCH.2021.46.4.242.

Depression and Related Factors of Children Using Community Child Center in Gwangju and Jeollanamdo

• Yoon SE
• Han MA
• Park J
• Ryu SY

• KMID: 2526056
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2021.46.4.242

Abstract

Objectives
This study examined the current status of depression and related factors among children using community child center.
Methods
A cross-sectional study selected children in grades 4-6 who used the Gwangju and Jeollanamdo community child center (n=224) using a convenience sampling method. General characteristics, family characteristics, children's emotional characteristics, children's school life environment and depression status were assessed using a self-reported questionnaire.
Results
The average score of depression among children using community child center was 15.31±7.70 out of a total of 27. Fifty-eight (25.9%) children had depression above 22 points. Variables related to children's depression were shown as grade, subjective economic level awareness, after-school activities excluding local children's centers, presence of family members after school, and family structure.
Conclusions
The depression prevalence of children using community child center was higher. Policy support such as children's psychological support programs would be needed to reduce children's depression, and community child centers are expected to be effective in reducing children's depression if continuous child psychological support services are developed for children's mental health.

Keyword

Child; Child care; Depression; Poverty; Risk factors