Depression in adolescents: gender differences in Oman and Egypt

To investigate the differences between adolescent boys and girls, the rates of depression and associated factors were determined for secondary school adolescents in 2 different samples, 552 in South Sharqiya, Oman, and 1577 in Alexandria, Egypt. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the correlates of depression. In Alexandria, the rate of having depressive symptoms in girls was almost double that in boys. In Oman, however, there was no significant difference. History of abuse during adolescence predicted depression in almost all the models. Poor relationship with parents affected girls more than boys in Alexandria and in the merged sample. Gender differences in rates or correlates of depression exist but may differ for different countries.