Abstract:

Background: Major depressive disorder in children and adolescents a global public health concern and it is a risk factor for suicide, low education attainment and multiple risk-taking behaviors. However, data on its prevalence and associated factors are limited in low and middle income countries such as Tanzania. In some hospital areas like cancer units in our hospitals. There is need to study depression among children and adolescents attending difference unit of care especially those providing care to MDD vulnerable patients that to inform and design of locally appropriate interventions.

Methods: This was a quantitative hospital based cross sectional study from October 2019 to February 2020 carried out among children and adolescents attending Bugando Medical Centre for Cancer management. Major depressive disorder was assessed using modified for children and adolescent patient health questionnaire (PHQ). Associates factors were assessed using a researcher designed questionnaire for children and adolescent for their socio-demographic data and their care giver socio-demographic questionnaire, a Multidimensional scale of perceived social support (MSPSS).

Results: Of the 48 children and adolescents recruited in the study, 25 (52%) met criteria for major depressive disorder this is one of the higher prevalence. Children and adolescents who had low social support (p=0.001) were likely to suffer from depression, and also children and adolescents who had no both parents or even single parent as their primary care giver (p=0.002) were more likely to suffer from major depressive disorder compared to those with both parents.

Conclusion: The prevalence of major depressive disorder among children and adolescents attending Bugando Medical Centre for cancer management was quite substantial regardless of the type of cancer and currently going undertreated. The major depressive disorder was found to be associated with primary care giver, and low perceived social support.