Mental Health Status and Lifestyle Habits Among Adolescents in Ghaziabad: A Cross-Sectional Study
Keywords:
Adolescents, Mental Health, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, Screen Time.Abstract
Abstract
Background:
Adolescence is a critical developmental period characterized by rapid physical, emotional and social changes during which mental health problems commonly emerge, and as lifestyle habits significantly influence overall well-being. The objective of the study was to assess the socio-demographic profile, lifestyle habits, and know the prevalence and severity levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents.
Methods:
A cross-sectional school-based study was conducted among adolescents aged 14–19 years studying in selected schools of the district Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, using a multistage random sampling technique. Only one eligible participant per selected sampling unit was included in the study. A pre-designed, pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data, including sociodemographic details, lifestyle habit assessment, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data were collected through google Forms and analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.
Results:
A total of 440 adolescents aged 14–19 years participated, with nearly equal gender distribution. Most belonged to the upper-middle socioeconomic class and reported predominantly home-cooked meals, with frequent weekly intake of fast food and irregular breakfast habits. DASS-21 assessment showed depressive symptoms in 285(64.8%), anxiety in 198(45.0%), and stress in 127(28.9%) adolescents, with mild to moderate severity forming the majority and very few in severe categories.
Conclusion:
A considerable proportion of adolescents exhibited symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress along with unhealthy lifestyle habits.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mehak Pal Kaur, Syed Hasan Nawaz Zaidi, Sunom Merab Lepcha
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