Prevalence and predictors of depression among orphans in Dakahlia’s orphanages, Egypt

Background: Children entering foster care have a higher prevalence of clinically significant depressive symptoms than children reared at home. Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of depression among orphans in Dakahlia governorate orphanages. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study included all the 200 orphans in orphanages of Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. Data collection tools included structure interview for personal data and the Arabic version of the multidimensional child and adolescent depression Scale (MCADS). Results: The study revealed that 20% of orphans had depression with total mean score (72.65±1.10). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the only independent predictors of depression is child gender, Girls were about 46 times more likely to have depression than boys. Conclusion: Depression is common among orphans, especially girls. Mental and psychological should be part of routine health care provided to orphans.