The presence of depression in young people in rural area of northern Sinaloa

Introduction: Depression is a disabling mental disorder with increasing prevalence among adolescents, often mistakenly perceived as a temporary emotional experience associated with this stage of life. Despite its high incidence, there is still a notable downplaying of the problem by key actors such as families, educators, and public policy makers. The lack of detection and timely intervention carries serious risks, including suicide, which makes its study and comprehensive approach urgent. Methodology: This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents aged 15 to 18 years in rural areas of northern Sinaloa, Mexico, using the PHQ-9 patient health questionnaire, a validated instrument that assesses the presence and intensity of depressive symptoms according to standardized diagnostic criteria. Results: The results obtained revealed a significantly higher prevalence of depressive symptoms in females, in addition to identifying that family environments characterized by emotional closeness and socio-affective support function as a protective factor, correlating with a notable reduction in symptom intensity. Conclusions: These findings reinforce the need to implement prevention and care strategies based on strengthening family ties and developing emotional skills in young people, as well as designing public policies aimed at adolescent mental health in rural areas.