Depression and anxiety disorders among Deaf young people

Abstract

Mental health of Deaf young people has received negligible attention. This study determined the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among Deaf young people. Seventy-five Deaf young people participated in this mixed method descriptive cross-sectional study, participants were drawn from special education centers and mainstream schools. A structured, interviewerassisted questionnaire consisting of Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory was used for quantitative data collection, and semi-structured interview questions used for qualitative data collection. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and narrative content analysis of the qualitative data. The mean age of respondents was 15.7 4.05 years. The prevalence of depression and anxiety disorder among respondents was 8% and 33% respectively, with a strong positive correlation between anxiety and depression. Only 10.7% of respondents had family members who could communicate using sign language. Educational level was the sole predictive factor of increased prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders, the higher the educational level, the higher the anxiety and depression score among the respondents. The attention and care received in special schools, at home with parents and other social support groups helped Deaf young people to cope with pressure and anxiety. Depression and anxiety disorder amongst Deaf young people is high, yet only a few have families that are attentive/responsive to their needs. There is need for greater access to services that would improve the mental health and promote social inclusion of Deaf young people.