Depression and Anxiety in Adolescents and their Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study from North Macedonia

Abstract

Introduction: Mental health problems have increased internationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescents and their caregivers form a vulnerable group for the development of mental health problems. However, most data stems from high-income countries, and there is a clear lack of prevalence rates and potential risk factors from Balkan countries. No data is available on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in adolescents and their caregivers in North Macedonia. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents and their caregivers in a school setting in rural and urban areas of North Macedonia. Survey items assessed symptoms of depression, anxiety, and respondents' fear of COVID-19, as well as a number of risk factors, such as gender and living environment. Results: 506 adolescents and 492 caregivers completed the survey. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were mild to moderate in adolescents and their caregivers. Women and girls generally scored higher than men and boys, and adolescents in high school scored higher than those in elementary school. Prevalence rates for depression were 29.2% for adolescents and 10.4% for caregivers, while rates of anxiety were 23.7% for adolescents and 6.1% for caregivers. Conclusion: This study provides a first insight into the mental health of adolescents and their caregivers after the COVID-19 pandemic in North Macedonia. Further research is required to investigate the relatively low rates of caregivers' mental health problems compared to data from other countries.