Jupyt C.

Macapobre

Examining the prevalence of Depressive Symptoms in College-Bound Seniors at Danlag

National High School

Introduction:

The study aims to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among college-bound
seniors at Danlag National High School. Depression is a common mental health issue that
affects many people worldwide, including students. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), depression is the leading cause of disability globally, and suicide rates
are on the rise among young people. The study's rationale is to understand the extent of
depressive symptoms among college-bound seniors and identify potential risk factors that
may contribute to depression.

There is evidence that youth depression in the Philippines is a serious problem. A World
Health Organization (WHO) study found that the prevalence of depression among Filipino
teenagers aged 13 to 17 was 6.9%, which is higher than the 4.3% global average (WHO,
2018). Also, according to a survey by the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), 31%
of college-aged Filipino students reported having symptoms of depression, making it the
most prevalent mental health problem among them (PMHA, 2018).

The study is grounded in the existing literature on depression and its risk factors. Previous
research has shown that depression is prevalent among adolescents and young adults, and
that it can be influenced by a range of factors such as genetics, stress, and social support.
Additionally, research has suggested that college students may be at a higher risk for
depression due to the stress of academic demands and the social pressures of college life.

While research on depression among Filipino college students is expanding, there is little
information available on depressed symptoms among seniors in high school who are
considering attending college. According to studies conducted in other nations, high school
kids who are prepared for college are more stressed and anxious than their classmates who
are not (Huang et al., 2019; Gao et al., 2020). Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the
prevalence and effects of depressed symptoms among Filipino seniors in high school who
are getting ready for college.

The study is focused on college-bound seniors at Danlag National High School, which is a
high school in a specific geographic location. This setting was chosen because it represents
a specific population of interest, and allows for a targeted examination of the prevalence of
depressive symptoms in this population.

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can have significant negative
consequences on an individual's life. It can lead to decreased productivity, impaired social
relationships, and even suicide. Therefore, understanding the prevalence of depressive
symptoms in college-bound seniors is an important step in identifying potential risk factors
and developing interventions to prevent and treat depression.

The general objective of the study is to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms in
college-bound seniors at Danlag National High School. This will involve collecting data on
the prevalence of depressive symptoms and identifying potential risk factors that may
contribute to the development of depression in this population.

This qualitative research aims to explore the experiences of senior high school students in
the DNHS who are preparing for college, with a specific focus on their depressive
symptoms. The study will examine the factors that contribute to depression among these
students, the coping mechanisms they use to manage their symptoms, and the impact of
depression on their academic and personal lives. By understanding the experiences of
senior high school students who are preparing for college, this research can inform the
development of interventions and support systems to promote their mental health and
well-being.

Statement of the Problem:

Among Filipino teenagers, notably those getting ready for college, depression is a serious
mental health problem. Research on depressed symptoms among DNHS senior high school
students who are aiming for college is few, nonetheless. Particularly in a country with a
highly competitive academic environment like the Philippines, students may find the
transition from high school to college to be a difficult and daunting experience. The creation
of interventions and support systems to improve senior high school students' mental health
and well-being may be hampered by the lack of knowledge regarding the prevalence and
effects of depressive symptoms among students preparing for college in the DNHS.The
purpose of this study is to investigate the experiences of senior high school students in the
DNHS who are getting ready for college with an emphasis on their depressive symptoms.

Specifically:

- What are the common triggers and stressors that contribute to depressive symptoms
among senior high school students preparing for college in the Philippines?
- How do senior high school students perceive and cope with their depressive symptoms
during the college preparation process?
- What are the existing support systems and interventions available for senior high school
students with depressive symptoms in the Philippines, and how effective are they?
- What are the potential gaps and opportunities for improving mental health support for
senior high school students preparing for college in the Philippines?

Significance of the Study:

This study is significant for several reasons:

Initially, it will advance knowledge of depression symptoms among Filipino seniors in high
school who are getting ready for college. This is crucial since students' transition from high
school to college can be challenging and stressful, and depression is a serious mental health
problem among young Filipino people. This study can help to design interventions and
support systems to improve the mental health and wellbeing of these students by
examining their experiences.

Second, this study will shed light on the elements that influence depression in senior high
school students in the Philippines who are prepared for college. For the purpose of creating
supportive interventions and support systems that effectively address the underlying
causes of depression in these students, it is crucial to comprehend these elements.

Third, this study will investigate the coping strategies employed by seniors in high school to
control their depression symptoms. With the help of this data, interventions and support
systems may be developed to help these students maintain and improve their mental
health and wellbeing.

Finally, this study will look at how depression affects senior high school students in the
Philippines who are prepared for college on both their personal and academic lives. The
creation of interventions and support systems that cater to the particular requirements of
these children and enable them to achieve both academically and personally can be guided
by the information provided. Overall, the results of this study can aid in the creation of
efficient support and intervention programs that will improve the mental health and
general wellbeing of senior high school students in the Philippines who are preparing for
college.

Scope and Limitations:

The effects of depression on senior high school students' academic performance at Danlag
National High School are the main topic of this study. This study will not include other
issues that are not considered as stressors and depressants, thus it will only collect data
from 5–10 randomly chosen senior high students at Danlag National High School in the S/Y
2022–2023. The same surveys are supplied to all of the respondents for completion. The
findings of this study will only be relevant to those who participated in the investigation;
they will not be utilized to assess how depression may affect the academic performance of
students who did not participate in the study.The questionnaire that the researchers have
created will be the primary source of the data.

Definition of Terms:

1. Depressive symptoms: Refers to a range of symptoms associated with depression,

including feelings of sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite
and sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating.
2. Prevalence: Refers to the proportion of individuals in a population who have a particular
condition or disease at a given point in time.

3. College-bound seniors: Refers to high school seniors who are planning to enroll in college
or university after graduation.

4. Risk factors: Refers to factors that increase the likelihood of a particular condition or
disease. In the context of depression, risk factors may include genetic predisposition, stress,
social isolation, and trauma.

5. Well-being: Refers to a state of being healthy, happy, and prosperous. In the context of
mental health, well-being refers to a state of emotional and psychological health,
characterized by positive emotions, engagement with life, a sense of meaning and purpose,
and positive social relationships.

6. Intervention: Refers to an action or strategy implemented to prevent or treat a particular

condition or disease. In the context of depression, interventions may include counseling,
medication, lifestyle changes, and social support.