Differences in severity of depression symptoms in overweight, obese and normal weight Palestinian children and adolescents
2024

Depression Symptoms in Overweight, Obese, and Normal Weight Palestinian Children and Adolescents

Sample size: 270 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Agbaria Hadeel, Mahamid Fayez, Bdier Dana

Primary Institution: An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine

Hypothesis

Palestinian children and adolescents who are obese will have severe symptoms of depression than those who have normal weight.

Conclusion

Overweight and obese Palestinian children and adolescents exhibit higher depressive symptoms than those with normal weight.

Supporting Evidence

  • Overweight and obese children reported higher levels of depression symptoms compared to normal weight peers.
  • Gender differences were observed, with girls showing more severe depressive symptoms than boys.
  • Age affected the relationship between weight and depression, with older adolescents in the overweight group experiencing worse symptoms.

Takeaway

Kids who are overweight or obese feel sadder than kids who are not, and they need help to feel better.

Methodology

The study used a descriptive methodology and collected data through questionnaires assessing depression symptoms among different weight groups.

Potential Biases

The study may not account for broader cultural factors affecting the relationship between weight and depression.

Limitations

The sample was not representative of all Palestinian children and included only one point of data collection.

Participant Demographics

Participants were aged 9-16, with 50.6% females and 49.4% males.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1017/gmh.2024.126

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication