ABSTRACT

Aim:

This study was conducted to determine the connection between demographic features of children and depression.

Materials and Methods:

Study population consisted of 136 students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades at an elementary school in Şanlıurfa. Sample selection was not conducted; all students (136) studying in the classes specified were included in the study. During the data collection process, both ‘Depression Scale for Children’ and ‘Form for Child Determination’ were used.

Results:

In the study, it was determined that while the majority of child laborers work as apprentices, others collect paper and garbage, sell tissues, flowers, gum etc., polish shoes, carry people’s shopping bags in market places and work as agricultural laborers. In the study, ages and depression levels of children were examined and it was determined that the rate of children aged 14 and above, who showed depressive symptoms, was 59%. As a result of the regression analysis, it was determined that variables of the study (such as age, gender, education of parents) showed a significant interaction (F=2.134, p=0.013) with depression levels of child laborers at a low level (R2=0.323). It was observed that the number of siblings (p=0.020) and the education of the father (p=0.010) had a significant effect upon the depression levels of child laborers.

Conclusion:

As a consequence, it is necessary to analize the reasons for children to work in streets very well and take necessary precautions. Therefore, families should be contacted and depression should be prevented by enabling the child to be more competent with the help of support programs.