Depressive Symptoms and Trust of Healthcare Provider in Rural Adolescents: Relationships and Predictors

Issues Ment Health Nurs. 2021 Mar;42(3):208-215. doi: 10.1080/01612840.2020.1789783. Epub 2020 Jul 28.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations among depressive symptoms, trust of healthcare provider, and health behavior in adolescents who live in a rural area. Two hundred twenty-four adolescents aged 14-19 years old attending public high school in the Midwestern United States were surveyed. Results showed a diagnosis of depression, trust of healthcare provider, health awareness, and stress management predicted depressive symptoms in adolescents living in a rural area. Healthcare providers should take extra care to promote trust in the healthcare provider-patient relationship with adolescents and to follow guidelines for annual screening of adolescents for depressive symptoms. Nursing implications include adolescent psychoeducation to improve health awareness and stress management.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Depression* / diagnosis
  • Health Personnel
  • Humans
  • Midwestern United States
  • Rural Population
  • Trust*