RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PSYCHOSOCIAL PROBLEMS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISORDERS IN ADOLESCENTS IN SANTO DOMINGO, ECUADOR

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Latin America faces various social problems such as child labor, discrimination and poverty. UNICEF and WHO have implemented measures to address psychosocial challenges faced by adolescents, such as bullying and drug use. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial factors and psychological problems in adolescents from educational institutions in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study of correlational scope was conducted with a sample of 1960 adolescents from eighth grade to third year of high school. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was used, and the information was collected through the application of individual surveys in April and May, 2022, using the Sperman coefficient by means of SPSS. Prior to the survey, informed consents legally approved by the students' representatives were collected. RESULTS: The probability of experiencing stress and depression increases between 14 and 16 years of age. Females are especially at risk, given that 48% face a significantly higher level of stress. One of the risk factors for developing depression is the use of social networks, as 13.9% of adolescents who use such networks suffer from it. CONCLUSIONS: Psychological problems such as stress and depression are frequent among adolescents and are related to drug use, bullying, use of social networks and family dynamics.