Prevalence of major depressive disorder and associated factors among children and adolescents aged 10–16 years: A cross-sectional study in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam

Abstract

Objectives

This study examined the prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) and associated factors among children and adolescents aged 10–16 years attending a Pediatric Psychology and Psychiatry Department in Vietnam.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2025. Patients aged 10–16 years were recruited and assessed via structured interviews with caregivers for sociodemographic information, childhood trauma, and parent–child relationship. Depression was diagnosed using DSM-5-TR criteria.

Results

Among 199 eligible participants, 26.6% were diagnosed with MDD. In the multivariable model, female gender (AOR = 10.3, 95% CI: 2.8–38.0, p < .001), emotional neglect (AOR = 9.9, 95% CI: 3.4–28.7, p < .001), physical neglect (AOR = 6.1, 95% CI: 2.2–17.0, p < .001), physical abuse (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.3–15.5, p = .020), and sexual abuse (AOR = 7.3, 95% CI: 1.3–15.5, p = .004) were independently associated with MDD. Household economic status and parent–child relationship were not significant after adjustment.

Conclusion

Over one-quarter of children and adolescents seeking psychiatric care met diagnostic criteria for MDD, with risk shaped by family environment and adverse childhood experiences. These findings highlight the need for screening of at-risk subgroups and targeted interventions addressing family functioning and trauma history.