EFFECTS OF COVID 19 PANDEMIC IN GRADE 12 STUDENTS

OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL OF PANDAN SCHOOL OF ARTS

A research Paper
Presented in the Faculty
Of the Senior High School Department
Of Pandan School Of Arts and Trades
Pandan, Catanduanes

In partial Fulfilment
Of the Requirements for the Graduation
In Automotive Servicing NC II
(TVL Track)

JEFERSON S. DE QUIROZ
KING ALLEN B. OPIANA
GERALD IBARETA
RONALD POSADA
JOHN PAUL SALAZAR

S.Y. 2022-2023
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Pandan School of Arts and Trades is one of the government educational institution

that offers quality education where one of its focus is Academics and Vocational. Our

research title is all about: Factors that causes Depression to G12 SHS students of Pandan

School of Arts and Trades S.Y. 2022-2023. Some SHS students, suffers from post-depression

and it is more likely to occur or to be triggered by a number of reasons, such as having

challenges that lower self-esteem, obesity, peer issues, persistent bullying, or scholastic

difficulties. having experienced or seen violence, such as sexual or physical assault,

frequently experience the health issue of depression. However, there is a dearth of

information on this subject, in higher education institutions most specifically the prevalence

of depression where it is crippling and has a negative impact on students' psychosocial,

emotional, interpersonal functioning, in the academic performance.

Due to its high incidence rates, chronic nature, challenging nature of treatment, and

recovery, depression is a serious mental health concern worldwide. It has been ranked as one

of the four major diseases, because of the severe burden it places on sufferers, their families,

and society as a whole. Diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson's disease are just a few

of the illnesses that depression can lead to. Reduced quality of life, elevated morbidity, and

increased mortality are all associated with depression. Students at universities confront a

variety of difficulties, such as adjusting to independent living, academic stress, and preparing

for their future professions, which puts them at risk for depression. These psychological and

emotional strains may cause them to engage in high-risk activities including increasing

smoking. Stress, life events, past experiences and genetics all play a part in determining our

mental health. Student life exposes individuals to risk factors affecting mental health
including financial worries, periods of transition, substance use, parental pressure, culture

shock and disconnection from previous supports. Feeling depressed and anxious often impact

students' memory and concentration due to low mood, feeling hopeless, a lack of energy,

reduced cognitive function, and insufficient sense of coping.

Background of the Study

Depression is a state which a person feels very sad, hopeless and unimportant and

often is unable to live in a normal way. According to Bansal, Gayal, and Srivastava (2009), a

lot of physicians did not believe that depressive disorders existed in the youth 40 years ago.

Nowadays, the youth are very prone to depression due to many factors that can affect their

emotional, mental, psychological state of mind in their everyday life especially being a

student. This study about depression is quite strange topic because it is very mysterious yet

the majority of people especially in school settings lacks knowledge about this topic

In the recent time, depression occurred more and more often to almost all of the teens.

The statistics of National Institute of Mental Health (2014) states that depression is the most

often mental disorder that teens and adults in United States have. According to their study,

over 2.8 million youth with age of 12-17 have experienced at least one major depression.

Another study from faculty.washington.edu (2013) states that depression can last

longer and may last for a year or so. Depression can be triggered in several of ways like

failures, lost loved ones, identity loss, and many more. They clear that not everyone who

experience these negative events catch on depression. On the contrary, there are factors that

make them vulnerable to into it is a severe mental disorder that may last longer, but there are

some people who can endure it because they are aware of themselves.

According to World Health Organization-Philippines (2017), in the whole Philippines

alone, they stated that about 3.9 million people are living with depression and about

3.07million people are living with anxiety. They added that depression is one of the most
leading factors that makes one person to commit suicide. They further explained that a

serious national talk regarding depression in which every Filipino is engaged is urgently

needed. They also concluded on their research that depression is a mental disorder that spread

in a whole wide world and it can affect our daily living. Unlike many large-scale international

problems, a solution for depression is at our hand.

In addition, the American Psychological Association also known as APA (2017)

defined depression more than just a sadness, but also a mental disorder. People experience

depression because of lack in interest and pleasure in daily activities, significant weight loss

or gain, insomnia or excessive sleeping, lack of energy, inability to concentrate, feelings of

worthlessness or excessive guilt and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Depression is a topic that is studied by a lot of researches from time to time but the

past studies failed to explore or interpret the experiences of a youth student that undergo the

process of depression and the themes of it in a classroom setting. Furthermore, World Health

Organization did not specify the age range of people who suffer from it. The American

Psychological Association have failed to elaborate and further explain the definition of

depression. They only stated the reason behind `1-`depression. It focuses more on the people

who are grown up. They did not mention about the teenagers that experience the depression.

Anyone can be a victim of depression as suggested to a related study, it can be a teen or an

adult. That study failed to explain the difference of experiences between the teen and adult

depression. Literature also missed to fill the gap about what do victims of depression do

lessen the problem or mental disorder they have. In addition, this research will also serve as

an instrument to view the experiences of a depressed youth student and the themes behind it

and explain the possible reasons on how a person or a youth student can solve his/her

situation.
 Depression is one of the emotional problems, and hopelessness and helplessness are

its main causes. Depression is a prevalent problem among college's students across the world

and it effect on a students’ ability to perform activities

of daily life. Depression is marked by sad feelings among college students which are known

as a common mental illness." National Institute of Mental Health found that during their

college life many students experience the first symptoms of depression. Depressed Students

often feel sad and reductions in academic performance. Untreated depression usually

interferes in day-to-day activities and lasts for a long time. Depressed people ignore their own

successes and good traits, while exaggerating their faults and failures. Student’s Academic

performance which every individual has to perform in all cultures has become an important

goal of the educational process. Student’s personality, education, motivation, mental health

and training also effect academic performance. College life can be called a significant

transition period, where students experience many things first-time, in, for example new

lifestyle, exposure to new cultures, friends, roommates, different ways of thinking and also

deal with a unique amount of stress. Two first years in college can be very stressful time for

many students. When students cannot manage these new first experiences, they become

depressed. There are negative effects of depression on student success. Student’s success is

negatively related with depression, and depressed students exposed lower average point and

spend minimum time on homework.

Conceptual Framework
 DEPRESSION

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

The study seeks to explore the realities of Factors that causes Depression to G12 SHS

students of Pandan School of Arts and Trades S.Y. 2022-2023. by viewing the information

from individuals in their experiences about depression of students in PSAT. The connection

of these concepts in literature and studies eventually provides the bases on how they exist and

emerge on the lives of the participants. This framework therefore uses these relationships and

connections to describe the people’s live experiences to establish the truth.

Theoretical Framework
 Figure 2 Thematic Diagram

This study about Factors that Factors that causes Depression to G12 SHS students of

Pandan School of Arts and Trades S.Y. 2022-2023. has a result that shows 3 main themes

which are: Ways to Cope Up with Depression, Causes of Depression, and Effects of

Depression. The categories that are under the first main theme (Ways to Cope Up with

Depression) are crying, praying, finding friends, finding a happy place, and finding a new

hobby. The second main theme (Causes of Depression) also has categories under it which are

family problems, school works, loneliness, high expectations, and overthinking.

The categories of the third main theme (Effects of Depression) are: feeling of giving

up with 3 sub categories (suicidal thoughts, paranoia, and suicidal attempts), overthinking

with 4 sub categories (secretive, irritable, emotional breakdown, and afraid to be judged)

change of mood with 4 sub categories (self-harming, being forgetful, violent thoughts, and

unclear thoughts) and feeling of self-worthlessness with 3 sub categories (feels like a burden

to others, weight loss, and attention seeking actions). After analyzing the results, the
researchers therefore conclude that depression has different causes and effects on students.

On the other hand, there is still a lot of ways to cope up with depression.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to know the Factors that causes Depression to G12 SHS students of

Pandan School of Arts and Trades S.Y. 2022-2023. it sought answer to the following

questions.

1. What is the socio-demographic profile of SHS PSAT Students?

2. What are the ways to cope up the depression?

3. What are the causes of depression?

4. What are the effects of Depression?

Hypothesis

This study posed the hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between socio-

demographic profile and the Factors that causes Depression to G12 SHS students of Pandan

School of Arts and Trades S.Y. 2022-2023.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study investigated the Factors that causes Depression to G12 SHS TVL students

of Pandan School of Arts and Trades S.Y. 2022-2023. The Socio-demographic profile of

every (60) students per strand most specifically G12 TVL strands.

Significance of the Study

This study aims to understand the depression on youth among students through

exploratory research design to discover the factors affecting their psychological and mental

aspects and also to know what causes them to be emotionally compromised that leads to a
depressive state. In addition, the study seeks to have an in depth understanding on how they

cope with anxiety.

This study will utilize a semi-structured interview to uncover the answers to our

questions regarding youth depression and the reasons within. It will also offer ideas to people

especially who’s suffering from depression and as well to provide awareness to the students

themselves. Finally, recommendations are identified to help researchers, parents, educators,

and for everyone who plays an important role regarding on this matter.

Depression and associated mental disorders can have a profound effect on all aspects

of life, including performance at school, productivity at work, relationships with family and

friends, and ability to participate in the community.

The study of depression focuses on neuroscience, reflecting the essential

characteristics of depression as a category of mental illness and better reflecting the fact that

depression is an important link in the human public health care.

All ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic groups are vulnerable to depression, and it

has very high personal, social and economic costs. Depression is also a major cause of death,

particularly in young people, through suicide.

Depression is considered as a mental illness causing an individual to feel such severe

uncomfortableness to themselves such as guilt and sadness that often leads to suicidal

thoughts. It also has no medical cause and a specific effect. The researchers found out codes

turned into categories and hence using a semi-structured interview. The researchers will get

the results with this code and discuss the outcome of the interview.

Definition of Terms

The following term are used in the study. For the purposes of clarity and

understandability, these terms are defined either conceptually or operationally.

5% of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of

interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also disturb sleep

and appetite. Tiredness and poor concentration are common.

Factors of Depression- Many factors increase the risk of developing or triggering

teen depression, including: Having issues that negatively impact self-esteem, such as obesity,

peer problems, long-term bullying or academic problems. Having been the victim or witness

of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse.

Socio-Demographic Profile- Socio-demographic variables include, for example, age,

sex, education, migration background and ethnicity, religious affiliation, marital status,

household, employment, and income. Different index variables are formed on the basis of

socio-demographic variables.

W.H.O Philippines- The Philippines has been an active Member State of WHO, and

is the home of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific. The country has played a

critical role in shaping development agendas, including the Sustainable Development Goals

(SDGs). In the spirit of the SDGs, the country cooperation strategy focuses on leaving no one

behind and enhancing collaboration for health to move the Philippines closer to universal

health coverage. The work of WHO and the Department of Health will focus on five strategic

priorities: saving lives, promoting well-being, protecting health, optimizing the health

architecture and using platforms for health.

For WHO, this strategy paves the way for a new level of collaboration with the

Philippines – as a focused, transparent and committed partner that supports the country in
making health a priority across programmed and sectors. Government departments and

United Nations agencies, multilateral and bilateral partners and civil society groups have

contributed to the development of this strategy.

Acronyms

Depression- Depression is a common mental disorder. Globally, it is estimated that

5% of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterized by persistent sadness and a lack of

interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also disturb sleep

and appetite. Tiredness and poor concentration are common.

Factors of Depression- Many factors increase the risk of developing or triggering

teen depression, including: Having issues that negatively impact self-esteem, such as obesity,

peer problems, long-term bullying or academic problems. Having been the victim or witness

of violence, such as physical or sexual abuse.

Socio-Demographic Profile- Socio-demographic variables include, for example, age,

sex, education, migration background and ethnicity, religious affiliation, marital status,

household, employment, and income. Different index variables are formed on the basis of

socio-demographic variables.

Relevance of the Related Literature and Studies to the Present Study

“Depressive symptoms among young adults in the Philippines: Results from a

nationwide cross-sectional survey”

The Philippines lacks epidemiological data on depression among young adults. About

1 in 10 Filipino young adults experience moderate to severe depression. The prevalence of

moderate to severe depression in Filipino young adults is higher among females than males.

Less education, residence in urban areas, and marital problems are significant predictors of
moderate to severe depression. Moderate to severe depression is significantly associated with

suicidal ideation.

Data were from a 2013 nationwide probability survey of 19,017 respondents, age 15–

24. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a 12-item version of the Center for

Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. The distribution of depressive symptoms

was examined using descriptive statistics and the adjusted and unadjusted association

between sociodemographic factors, suicidal ideation, and moderate to severe depressive

symptoms were estimated using log-binomial regression. Up to 8.9% (95% CI=8.3–9.6) of

young Filipino adults experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms and the prevalence

is higher in females (10.2%) than males (7.6%). The symptom most often experienced in the

general population was “not enjoying life”, while “loneliness” was the most frequently

reported symptom in those with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The prevalence of

moderate to severe depressive symptoms was higher in those with less education, persons

who were separated/widowed/divorced, and residents in urban areas. Those with moderate to

severe depressive symptoms are about twice more likely to experience suicidal ideation.
 Chapter 2

Review of Related Literature and Studies

This chapter presents the review of related literature and studies anchored from

foreign and local sources. These are deemed relevant since these will substantiate the results

of the study conducted.

Foreign Literature

This chapter presents a closer point of view in the research’s related literature,

theoretical foundation and a shorter survey of related studies on Factors that causes

Depression to G12 SHS TVL students of Pandan School of Arts and Trades S.Y. 2022-2023.

These will give a foundation for the systematic analyses that will make the findings,

conclusions and recommendations of the research.

The word “depression” is defined as “sadness” and as a “medical illness”, a

combination of such symptoms like a change of mood, physical symptoms like changes in

sleep, energy, appetite, a person’s degree of confidence also self-esteem. Depression is also

correlated with abuse of substances, unemployment, early pregnancy, and educational

failures that can lead people to commit suicide. Apparently, it is unusual or unlikely that

someone who’s having a hardship from depression to be noticed and managed (ADAP,

2007).

Additionally, Hoerman (2013) claims that depression during the belief of the 1970’s

is an ailment of adulthood and that children and adolescents do not experiences is now long

gone. It has already been measured or evaluated that depression is a form of mental illness

that affects most of the adolescents with prevalence rates between ten and twenty percent.

The National Institute of Mental Health has disclosed statistically a compelling variation
across age and gender in the lifetime prevalence of mood disorders, including depression, for

adolescents 13 to 18.

Another study on the topic by Pappas (2015), teenage depression is somehow

connected to cyber bullying in social media according to new researches that study different

online phenomena. Number of people who examines the victims of cyber bullying increases

especially when news of suicide occurs. Teenagers use social media more often this day

according to Michele Hamm, but the effects of it in one’s health is still unknown. It is most

likely for teens to experience depression in their adulthood when they are being bullied.

Early work by Renata and Jacek (2010) shows that an epidemiological appraisal of

depression during the adolescence age was always been a challenging issue since the late

studies during the 60’s and 70’s. Angold disclosed that the reasons behind the gap between

prevalence indexes should be looked for in the different therapeutic ways, diagnostic tools

used, as well as where the information came from. He also discussed the crucial problem of

the imprecise meaning of adolescent depression as a mental disorder and until now, the

problem hasn’t been solved yet.

Depression is an illness that intervene with a person’s functional ability. The

characteristics of depression can be from the feeling of boredom, irritability, and the inability

to feel pleasure instead of sadness. Depression cases that it is not treated can last over 7 to 9

months and most likely occur again in adulthood. Symptoms of depression are most likely to

be found in children and adolescents that is why it is hard to figure out the signs of

depression. Depression affects the daily activities of both children and adolescents. Both male

and female child have the same prevalence rate of depression but there is a sudden increase in

female rate when they reach the stage of puberty. There are also many factors that promotes

the development of depression in children and adolescents such as genetic and biologic
vulnerability, environmental factors, negative life events, and personality, temperament, and

vulnerability of the child (Ranttila & Shrestha, 2011).

In addition, a study in the University of Missouri stated that any form of social media

can be a source of depression depending on how a person use it. Using it as a tool for

surveillance to check on others may lead to the feeling of depression. By doing this, you

compare your own situation to your friend’s situation like having a vacation, relationship,

achievements, etc. This leads you to envy them and can lead you to depression. A tip for

those people who experience this kind of envy is that the post you have seen is customized to

show the positive side of their lives (Liu, 2015).

However, adolescents’ depression has no specific cause. Mayo clinic explains that

there are many factors that lead to depression. First is the difference in the brain, adolescents

have different brain structure than the adults. A depressed teen can also have a different

amount of hormone and neurotransmitters that helps their brain cells to connect and is one

responsible for regulating moods and behavior. The second one is traumatic early life events,

children don’t have enough experience to handle such a traumatic event in their lives like loss

of a parent or physical, emotional or sexual abuse and these can leave a lasting effect that can

contribute to their depression. The third one is inherited traits, research shows that if a child

or adolescent have a family member who is depressed, and it is most like for them to have it

also. The last one is learned patterns of negative thinking, teens always think in a bad way

like thinking of themselves as helpless instead of thinking of how to solve a problem and this

can also develop into depression (Krans, 2016).

The factors that leads to depression in youth specifically in students can be inherited,

also because of stress in social interaction (A. Thapar, Collishaw, Pine, & A.K Thapar, 2012).

Additionally, in the study of 2005, an early article about stress that also leads to depression is
categorized by feelings of tension, frustration, too much worrying, and sadness (Walker

2005; ADAP, 2007; Ranttila & Shrestha, 2017). Because of that, depression are severe and

lasts longer that have been categorized by extreme feelings of hopelessness, sadness, isolation

and worthlessness that lasts for two weeks or more (Walker, 2005; ADAP 2007). There many

factors that may lead a students to be depressed, this is also as true as the articles that has

been stated, a student may feel depressed when he/she experience loneliness in his/her current

state because of those factors and the most severe effects of depression is an attempt or to

commit suicide, most young people who experience depression are at high risk in attempting

suicide than the young ones who do not experience depression, however, not all youth who

are depressed are attempting to commit suicide, this statement has been explained by Walker

(2005) as:

"These young people report exhibiting much more anger and ventilation;

avoidance and passivity; and aggressive, antisocial behavior. They describe yelling,

fighting and complaining; drinking, smoking and using doctor-prescribed drugs more

frequently; and sleeping, riding around in cars and crying more often. They are less

inclines to do things with their family or to go along with parents' rules and requests"

(p.4).

In addition, (2010), she stated that "All students are entitled to an education in a

positive environment" but a problem can go in the way of students to pursue their educational

attainment especially if it can deal some serious effect in terms of psychological and their

whole being. Previous conducted researches showed high rates of students' psychological

problems like anxiety, and depression are widely spread in universities in the world (Al-

Qaisy, 2011). Depression can cause negative effects on a student's education(Kurt D.

Michael, Timothy J. Hueisman, Claudia Gerard, Theresa M. Gilligan, & Melissa R.

Gustafson, 2006), and psychological unhealthiness (Al-Qaisy, 2011).

“Depressive symptoms among young adults in the Philippines: Results from a

nationwide cross-sectional survey”

The Philippines lacks epidemiological data on depression among young adults. About

1 in 10 Filipino young adults experience moderate to severe depression. The prevalence of

moderate to severe depression in Filipino young adults is higher among females than males.

Less education, residence in urban areas, and marital problems are significant predictors of

moderate to severe depression. Moderate to severe depression is significantly associated with

suicidal ideation.

Data were from a 2013 nationwide probability survey of 19,017 respondents, age 15–

24. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a 12-item version of the Center for

Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. The distribution of depressive symptoms

was examined using descriptive statistics and the adjusted and unadjusted association

between sociodemographic factors, suicidal ideation, and moderate to severe depressive

symptoms were estimated using log-binomial regression. Up to 8.9% (95% CI=8.3–9.6) of

young Filipino adults experience moderate to severe depressive symptoms and the prevalence

is higher in females (10.2%) than males (7.6%). The symptom most often experienced in the

general population was “not enjoying life”, while “loneliness” was the most frequently

reported symptom in those with moderate to severe depressive symptoms. The prevalence of

moderate to severe depressive symptoms was higher in those with less education, persons

who were separated/widowed/divorced, and residents in urban areas. Those with moderate to

severe depressive symptoms are about twice more likely to experience suicidal ideation.

Foreign Studies

According to Kaufman (2013), “depression has been relatively neglected in special

education research, even though it’s become clear that depression is closely related to a
variety of other disorders, and to academic and social difficulties” (p. 295). Childhood

depression may also be accompanied by other disorders such as: anxiety disorders, conduct

disorders, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, learning isabilities, school failure, and has

also been found to afect some children with autism (Kaufman, 2013). Children may also

exhibit inappropriate conduct such as: aggression, stealing, and social withdrawal (Kaufman,

2013). Weight gain or loss may also be observed. It is important to note that there are two

main groups of causes of depression, biological and environmental, with social and

environmental being the most prevalent (Lebrun, 2007; McKnew, Cytryn, & Yahraes, 1983).

School connectedness. Shochet, Dadds, Ham and Montague (2006) conducted a sampling of

2,022 students (999 boys and 1,023 girls) ages 12 to 14 twice, at intervals of twelve months

apart to determine if school connectedness was a factor in adolescent depressive symptoms.

School connectedness was described as school engagement, bonding, and attachment as

students begin to rely less on family and more on extrafamilial relationships found in friends

(Goodenow, 1993). School connectedness accounted for 13% to 18% of the emotional

distress in various age groups (Resnick et al., 1997) although there has been little research on

the relation between school connectedness and anxiety and depression symptoms in

adolescents (Shochet et al., 2006). Overall, school connectedness predicted future mental

health problems, rather than mental health problems predicting future school connectedness

(Shochet et al., 2006). Self-worth is also a risk factor for depression in youth. It is important

to analyses self-worth contingencies before depressive symptoms surface in early

adolescence (Burwell & Shirk, 2006). Rumination. Nolen-Hoeksema (1991) posited that,

“rumination, a cognitive style that involves passively brooding about one’s mood, would lead

to increases in depressive symptoms, while distraction and problem-solving would lead to

decreases in symptoms” (p. 545). Rumination has been identified as a risk factor for the

development of depressive symptoms in adolescents and those who engage in rumination

Hoeksema, 2010; Nolen-Hoeksema, 1994). Ruminative responses appear to interfere with

individuals’ ability to generate solutions while accessing negative thought and memories,

which enhances the depressed mood

(Nolen-Hoeksema, 1994). Parents. Parents who become hostile and critical when their

children are experiencing problems might impact their child’s sense of inability to solve

problems and decrease their enthusiasm (NolenHoeksema, Wolfson, Mumme, & Guskin,

1995). When a child reacts with frustration to a task, a parent may also become frustrated and

perhaps hostile (Nolen-Hoeksema et al., 1995). Some studies also show that children of

mothers who have depression are at risk for developing a sense of learned helpless- 37

Hayden (2016) ness (Nolen-Hoeksema et al., 1995). Conversely, parents who were over-

restrictive and controlled their children’s opportunities for decision making had children who

were more passive and withdrawn from difcult social situations (Baumrind, 1973). Marital

confict and poverty can also negatively afect the child and the mother (Hammen, Adrian,

Gordon, Burge, Jaenicke, & Hiroto, 1987). Gender. Te Response Styles Teory (Just & Alloy,

1997) was used to explain the diferences in rumination amongst men and women. Te theory

suggests that women are more likely to ruminate than men while men are more likely to use

distraction or problem-solve (Nolen-Hoeksema, 1987, 1991).

Nearly one in five adolescents will experience a major depressive episode in their teen

years with females twice as likely to sufer from depression (Crisp, Gudmundsen, & Shirk,

2006). Hilt et al., (2010) concluded that, “lthough some research indicates that girls are more

likely to report using a ruminative response style compared to boys, gender diferences in the

tendency to distract and problem-solve haverarely been examined in youth” (p. 547).

Local Studies
 Depression has recently become the leading cause of disability worldwide (World

Health Organization, 2017). In high-income countries, such as the US, UK and Canada, its

economic impact is staggering, both in terms of productivity losses and direct health care

costs (Greenberg et al., 2015; Conference Board of Canada, 2016; Thomas and Morris,

2003). Left untreated, the condition can cause significant suffering to individuals and their

families. In many high-income countries, such as in the US and Canada, evidence-based

treatments are largely available; but, gaps in the quality of care persists as a large proportion

of people with depression receive mental health care that do not meet the most basic criteria

for treatment adequacy (Thornicroft et al., 2017; Puyat et al., 2016).

In low income countries, such as the Philippines, depression is also a leading cause of

disability. A report released by the World Health Organization has estimated that the overall

prevalence of depression in the Philippines is 3.3%, (World Health Organization, 2017)

suggesting that about 3.3 million Filipinos are experiencing depressive symptoms based on

the 2015 population estimate (Philippine Statistics Authority, 2016). Depression was also

ranked as the 8th single largest cause of disability in the country (Institute for Health Metrics

and Evaluation, 2017). The large number of individuals and families affected by depression

raises serious concerns about the state of mental health care in the country given the limited

availability of tertiary care facilities, severe shortage of mental health professionals, and the

inadequate capacity of the primary health care system to manage mental health issues (Lally

et al., 2019b; WHO and Department of Health, 2006).

It is likely that the issues associated with depression and its consequences are even greater in

the young adult Filipino population since depression has been reported elsewhere to have the

highest prevalence among individuals who are between the ages of 15 to 25 (Hedden et al.,
2015; Statistics Canada, Health Statistics Division, 2014). The severity of the problem,

however, is largely unknown, as there is currently no estimate, based on large

epidemiological data, of the prevalence of depression on this segment of the Philippine

population. Identifying who in this age group are experiencing moderate to severe depressive

symptoms and understanding their characteristics are particularly important as they are the

group more likely to have persistent symptoms (Gustavson et al., 2018; Rushton et al., 2002)

and consequently more likely to require ongoing treatment, support and other related

services.

This study was conducted to help address current gaps in knowledge about depressive

symptoms among young adults in the Philippines. The specific objectives of this study are to:

1) estimate the prevalence of moderate to severe depressive symptoms; 2) identify the most

frequently reported depressive symptoms in those with moderate to severe depressive

symptoms; 3) examine the socio-demographic characteristics associated with moderate to

severe depressive symptoms; and, 4) estimate the association between moderate to severe

depressive symptoms and suicide ideation.

Depression can be prevented if its symptoms are addressed early and effectively.

Prevention against depression among university students is rare in the Philippines, but is

urgent because of the rising rates of suicide among the group. Evidence is needed to

systematically identify and assist students with higher levels of depressive symptoms. We

carried out a survey to determine the social and demographic factors associated with higher

levels of depressive symptoms among 2,436 Filipino university students. The University

Students Depression Inventory with measures on lethargy, cognition-emotion, and academic

motivation, was used. Six of the 11 factors analyzed were found to be statistically

significantly associated with more intense levels of depressive symptoms. These factors were:
frequency of smoking, frequency of drinking, not living with biological parents,

dissatisfaction with one’s financial condition, level of closeness with parents, and level of

closeness with peers. Sex, age category, course category, year level and religion were not

significantly related. In identifying students with greater risk for depression, characteristics

related to lifestyle, financial condition, parents and peers are crucial. There is a need to carry

out more surveys to develop the pool of local knowledge on student depression.
 Chapter 3

Method of Research and Procedure

This chapter presents the research method, population and sampling scheme,

description of respondents, research instrument, validation of the instruments, procedures in

gathering data and statistical treatment of data.

Research Methodology

This study aims to understand the depression on youth among students through

exploratory research design to discover the factors affecting their psychological and mental

aspects and also to know what causes them to be emotionally compromised that leads to a

depressive state. In addition, the study seeks to have an in depth understanding on how they

cope with anxiety.

This study will utilize a semi-structured interview to uncover the answers to our

questions regarding youth depression and the reasons within. It will also offer ideas to people

especially who’s suffering from depression and as well to provide awareness to the students

themselves. Finally, recommendations are identified to help researchers, parents, educators,

and for everyone who plays an important role regarding on this matter.

Population and Sampling Scheme

Purposive sampling was used in this study. This study was limited only to (60)

students from different areas of specialization of TVL strand, who will participated in the
survey. It is informed however, that there are 250 (plus) students enrolled in PSAT SHS TVL

strand.

Research Instruments

The study treads on a qualitative exploratory research design utilizing all PSAT SHS

TVL strand using semi-structured interviews either through Facebook Messenger or journal

sheets in an iterative or simultaneous data gathering procedure. The researchers code the data

to form categories and later reduces the data into themes to explain the live experiences of the

participants in both graphical and verbal form.

Validation of Instruments

The questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather the data. It has three parts.

The first part contained the socio-demographic profile of the students. Name, Age, gender

and educational attainment. Second part is questioning 1. What are the ways to cope up the

depression? 2. What are the causes of depression? What are the effects of Depression?

After incorporating the suggestions gleaned from the face validity of the

questionnaire, copies are reproduced for the pre and post- test. A letter citing the academic

purpose of the study during the pre-and post -test and the final inquiry accompanied the

questionnaire administered to the two groups of the respondents

Data Gathering Procedure

The draft of the questionnaire was presented to the panel members and research

adviser and some teachers, panelist, this was the face validation phase of the study.

Statistical Treatment of Data

were used in analyzing the data for this study. Frequency count was used in tallying

responses. The weighted mean was used in determining the relation of frequencies under

different variables in relation to the whole. Rank was used in discerning the relativity (i. e.,

higher or lower) of the recorded weighted means from each of the different items.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Poquiz, J. L. & Frazer, A. L. (2016). Depression in Children and Adolescents.

Adolescents.

Thapar, A., Collishaw, S., Pine, D., Thapar, AK., (2012) Depression in Adolescent.

Published in Lancet ADAP (2017). Adolescent Depression viewed September 24,

2017, retrieved from:

www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty_areas/moods/ADAP/

APA (2017). Psychology Topics viewed September 24, 2017, retrieved from:

http://www.apa.org/topics/depression/

Auerbach, R., (2015). Depression in adolescents: Causes, Correlates and

Consequences. Published by Psychological Science Agenda.

Bansal V, Goyal S, & Srivastava K. (2009). Study of Prevalence of Depression in

Adolescent Students of a Public School

Bomba, J., & Modrzejewska R. (2010). A Comparative Study of Adolescent

Depression Among High School Pupils in a Large Polish City.

Cassie Dobson (2010). Effects of Academic Anxiety on the Performance of Students

With and Without Learning Disabilities and How Students Can Cope Up With Anxiety

at School.

Hoerman, E. D. (2013). Depression in Children and Adolescents: The role of school

Professionals.

Krans, B. (2016). Adolescent Depression.

Kurt D. Michael, Timothy J. Hueisman, Claudia Gerard, Theresa M. Gilligan, &

Melissa R. Gustafson (2006). Depression Among College Students: Trends in

Prevalence and Treatment Seeking.

Achievement among Group of University Students.

Liu, S. (2015). Social Media and Depression.

Pappas, S. (2015). Cyber bullying on Social Media Linked to Teen Depression.. 2012

Mar 17; 379(9820): 1056-1067.

Walker, J. (2005). Adolescent Stress and Depression. Produced by Extension Center

for Youth Development.