Sociodemographic predictors of mental health problems among adolescents in Indonesia: Evidence from SDQ-based cross-sectional analysis
Main Article Content
Abstract
The incidence of mental health problems among adolescents (aged 10-14 years) is increasing, causing a burden of disease. This study aimed to determine the relationship between adolescent characteristics and mental health problems. The study employed a quantitative method with a cross-sectional study design. The sample consisted of 315 junior high school and senior high school students in the Kebasen Subdistrict, Banyumas Regency. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used for sample selection. Data collection was carried out using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and the data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The research findings indicated that age, gender, history of psychological distress, child's education, parental education, school type, and socioeconomic status were significantly associated with mental health difficulties (p-value < 0.05). The variables most significantly contributing to the likelihood of developing mental health difficulties were early adolescence (p-value < 0.05; OR 6.75), low socioeconomic status (p-value < 0.05; OR 6.42), and a history of psychological distress (p-value < 0.05; OR 5.75). Conversely, child's and parental education, as well as school type, showed significant associations but with a lower likelihood. Variables significantly associated with and increasing the likelihood of prosocial mental health problems included a history of psychological distress (p-value < 0.05; OR 11.04), early adolescence (p-value < 0.05; OR 3.78), and low socioeconomic status (p-value < 0.05; OR 2.19). School-based mental health interventions are needed to reduce risk factors and promote adolescent mental health.
Article Details
How to Cite
Wahyuningsih, D., & Subagyo, W. . (2026). Sociodemographic predictors of mental health problems among adolescents in Indonesia: Evidence from SDQ-based cross-sectional analysis. Journal of Midwifery and Nursing, 8(2), 90-97. https://doi.org/10.35335/jmn.v8i2.7075
References
Adjei, N. K., Scluter, Daniela K Straatmann, V. S., Melis, G., Fleming, K. M., Mcgovern, R., Ko, N., & Schl, K. (2022). Articles Impact of Poverty and Family Adversity on Adolescent Health?: a Multi-Trajectory Analysis Using the UK Millennium Cohort Study. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, 13(November), 1–13. https://doi.org//10.1016/j. lanepe.2021.100279
Aggarwal, S., Wright, J., Morgan, A., Patton, G., & Reavley, N. (2023). Religiosity and Spirituality in The Prevention and Management of Depression and Anxiety in Young People?: A Systematic Review and Meta ? Analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 23, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05091-2
Aronson, O. (2022). Mental Health & Prevention Differential Effects of Religiosity on The Mental Health Problems of Adolescent Natives and Immigrants in Sweden?: A Three-Wave longitudinal Study. Mental Health & Prevention, 27(July), 1–8. https://doi.org//10.1016/j.mhp.2022.200242
Bakar, R. A., & Daulai, A. F. (2022). Dasar Dasar Kependidikan (M. Y. Nasution (ed.); Revisi). Perdana Publishing.
Bolton, D. (2023). A Revitalized Biopsychosocial Model?: Core Theory , Research Paradigms , and Clinical Implications. Psychological Medicine, September(53), 7504–7511. https://doi.org//10.1017/S0033291723002660
Branje, S. (2023). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health across the world. Current Opinion in Psychology, 53(101665), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101665
Cai, J., Li, J., Liu, D., Gao, S., Zhao, Y., & Zhang, J. (2023). Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma Subtypes on Adult Brain. Brain and Behaviour, November 2022, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2981
Connors, E. H., Moffa, K., Carter, T., Crocker, J., Bohnenkamp, J. H., Lever, N. A., & Hoover, S. A. (2022). Advancing mental health screening in schools: Innovative, field-tested practices and observed trends during a 15-month learning collaborative. Psychology in the Schools, 59(6), 1135–1157. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22670
Crone, E. A., & Achterberg, M. (2022). Prosocial Development in Adolescence. In Current Opinion in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.09.020
Dinas Kesehatan Kabupaten Banyumas. (2023). Profil Kesehatan Tahun 2022. Dinas Kesehatan Banyumas.
Dinas Kesehatan Kabupaten Banyumas. (2024). Profil Kesehatan Tahun 2023. Dinas Kesehatan Banyumas.
Fakhrunnisak, D., & Patria, B. (2022). The Positive Effects of Parents ’ Education Level on Children ’ s Mental Health in Indonesia?: A Result of Longitudinal Survey. BMC Public Health, 22, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13380-w
Hinze, V., Blakemore, S., Dalgleish, T., Ford, T., Mansfield, K. L., Ukoumunne, O. C., Kuyken, W., & Montero-marin, J. (2026). The Longitudinal Relationship Between Self-Reported Executive Function and Mental Health in Early. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 4(1), 53–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaacop.2025.07.003
Karamanova, A. A., Markova, E. P., Mineva, K., & Yordonova, T. (2025). The Mental Health of Adolescents?: Pandemic Challenges and Protective / Risk Factors. Archives of Psychiatry Research 2025;61:255-274, Mei(61), 255–274. https://doi.org/10.20471/dec.2025.61.03.07
Kirkbride, J. B., Anglin, D. M., Colman, I., Dykxhoorn, J., Jones, P. B., Patalay, P., Pitman, A., Soneson, E., Steare, T., Wright, T., & Griffiths, S. L. (2024). The social determinants of mental health and disorder?: evidence , prevention and recommendations. 58 World Psychiatry, 23(1), 58–90. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21160
Kriebel, A. R., Fang, Y., Saint, S., Sen, S., & Burmeister, M. (2025). Acta Psychologica Religiosity?: A Resilience Factor Protecting Against Depression in Medical Interns. Acta Psychologica 259, 259(November 2023), 1–7. https://doi.org//10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105352
Liegmann, K., Fischer, L., Morgenstern, M., Nees, F., Dadaczynski, K., & Hanewinkel, R. (2024). Reliability and Validity of the Self-Report Version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Primary School Children. International Journal of Behaviour Devlopment, 46(4), 1–10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254241305551
Lin, J., & Guo, W. (2024). The Research on Risk Factors for Adolescents Mental Health. Behavioral Science, 14(4), 1–29. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040263
Mastorci, F., Francesca, M., Lazzeri, L., & Vassalle, C. (2024). The Transition from Childhood to Adolescence?: Between Health and Vulnerability. Children, 11(989), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080989
Mezzina, R., Gopikumar, V., Jenkins, J., & Saraceno, B. (2022). Social Vulnerability and Mental Health Inequalities in the “ Syndemic ”: Call for Action. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13(May), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.894370
Murniati, N., Aufa, B. Al, Kusuma, D., & Kamso, S. (2022). A Scoping Review on Biopsychosocial Predictors of Mental Health among Older Adults. Enviromental Research and Public Health, 19(10909), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710909
Occhipinti, J., Skinner, A., Doraiswamy, P. M., Saxena, S., Eyre, H. A., Hynes, W., Geli, P., Jeste, D. V, Graham, C., Song, C., Prodan, A., Ujdur, G., Buchanan, J., Rosenberg, S., & Hickie, I. B. (2024). The Influence of Economic Policies on Social Environments and Mental Health. Policy & Practice: Economic Determinants of Mental Health, Januari(2024), 323–329.
Pastor, Y., Vanesa, P., Thomas-curr, H., Angel, M., Lobato-rinc, L. L., & García, A. (2024). A Study of The Influence of Altruism , Social Responsibility , Reciprocity , and The Subjective Norm on Online Prosocial Behavior in Adolescence. Computers in Human Behavior, 154(January), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108156
Scuzs, A., de la Torre, J. A., van der Lubbe, S. C., Valderas, J. M., Hay, S. I., & Adnani, Q. E. S. (2025). Articles The Epidemiology and Burden of Ten Mental Disorders in Countries of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ), 1990 – 2021?: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Public Health, 10(June). www.thelancet.com/public-health
Steinsbekk, S., Bjorklund, O., Valkenburg, P., Nesi, J., & Wichstr, L. (2024). Computers in Human Behavior The New Social Landscape?: Relationships Among Social Media Use , Social Skills , and Offline Friendships From Age 10 – 18 Years. Computers in Human Behavior, 156(January), 1–10. https://doi.org//10.1016/j.chb.2024.108235
Sugiyono. (2020). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif, kualitatif dan R & D (Sutopo (ed.); Edisi 1 Ce). Penerbit Alfabeta.
Vugteveen, J., Bildt, A. De, & Timmerman, M. E. (2022). Normative Data for The Self ? Reported and Parent ? Reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ( SDQ ) for Ages 12 – 17. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 16(5), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-021-00437-8
WHO. (2022a). Addressing Mental Health in Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325256.003.0003
WHO. (2022b). World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All. University of Maryland Baltimore.
Zashchirinskaia, O., & Isagulova, E. (2023). Childhood Trauma as a Risk Factor for High Risk Behaviors in Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder. Iranian J Psychiatry, 8(812), 65–71. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v18i1.11414
Aggarwal, S., Wright, J., Morgan, A., Patton, G., & Reavley, N. (2023). Religiosity and Spirituality in The Prevention and Management of Depression and Anxiety in Young People?: A Systematic Review and Meta ? Analysis. BMC Psychiatry, 23, 1–33. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-023-05091-2
Aronson, O. (2022). Mental Health & Prevention Differential Effects of Religiosity on The Mental Health Problems of Adolescent Natives and Immigrants in Sweden?: A Three-Wave longitudinal Study. Mental Health & Prevention, 27(July), 1–8. https://doi.org//10.1016/j.mhp.2022.200242
Bakar, R. A., & Daulai, A. F. (2022). Dasar Dasar Kependidikan (M. Y. Nasution (ed.); Revisi). Perdana Publishing.
Bolton, D. (2023). A Revitalized Biopsychosocial Model?: Core Theory , Research Paradigms , and Clinical Implications. Psychological Medicine, September(53), 7504–7511. https://doi.org//10.1017/S0033291723002660
Branje, S. (2023). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent mental health across the world. Current Opinion in Psychology, 53(101665), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101665
Cai, J., Li, J., Liu, D., Gao, S., Zhao, Y., & Zhang, J. (2023). Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma Subtypes on Adult Brain. Brain and Behaviour, November 2022, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2981
Connors, E. H., Moffa, K., Carter, T., Crocker, J., Bohnenkamp, J. H., Lever, N. A., & Hoover, S. A. (2022). Advancing mental health screening in schools: Innovative, field-tested practices and observed trends during a 15-month learning collaborative. Psychology in the Schools, 59(6), 1135–1157. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22670
Crone, E. A., & Achterberg, M. (2022). Prosocial Development in Adolescence. In Current Opinion in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.09.020
Dinas Kesehatan Kabupaten Banyumas. (2023). Profil Kesehatan Tahun 2022. Dinas Kesehatan Banyumas.
Dinas Kesehatan Kabupaten Banyumas. (2024). Profil Kesehatan Tahun 2023. Dinas Kesehatan Banyumas.
Fakhrunnisak, D., & Patria, B. (2022). The Positive Effects of Parents ’ Education Level on Children ’ s Mental Health in Indonesia?: A Result of Longitudinal Survey. BMC Public Health, 22, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13380-w
Hinze, V., Blakemore, S., Dalgleish, T., Ford, T., Mansfield, K. L., Ukoumunne, O. C., Kuyken, W., & Montero-marin, J. (2026). The Longitudinal Relationship Between Self-Reported Executive Function and Mental Health in Early. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 4(1), 53–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaacop.2025.07.003
Karamanova, A. A., Markova, E. P., Mineva, K., & Yordonova, T. (2025). The Mental Health of Adolescents?: Pandemic Challenges and Protective / Risk Factors. Archives of Psychiatry Research 2025;61:255-274, Mei(61), 255–274. https://doi.org/10.20471/dec.2025.61.03.07
Kirkbride, J. B., Anglin, D. M., Colman, I., Dykxhoorn, J., Jones, P. B., Patalay, P., Pitman, A., Soneson, E., Steare, T., Wright, T., & Griffiths, S. L. (2024). The social determinants of mental health and disorder?: evidence , prevention and recommendations. 58 World Psychiatry, 23(1), 58–90. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21160
Kriebel, A. R., Fang, Y., Saint, S., Sen, S., & Burmeister, M. (2025). Acta Psychologica Religiosity?: A Resilience Factor Protecting Against Depression in Medical Interns. Acta Psychologica 259, 259(November 2023), 1–7. https://doi.org//10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105352
Liegmann, K., Fischer, L., Morgenstern, M., Nees, F., Dadaczynski, K., & Hanewinkel, R. (2024). Reliability and Validity of the Self-Report Version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) in Primary School Children. International Journal of Behaviour Devlopment, 46(4), 1–10. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1177/01650254241305551
Lin, J., & Guo, W. (2024). The Research on Risk Factors for Adolescents Mental Health. Behavioral Science, 14(4), 1–29. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14040263
Mastorci, F., Francesca, M., Lazzeri, L., & Vassalle, C. (2024). The Transition from Childhood to Adolescence?: Between Health and Vulnerability. Children, 11(989), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11080989
Mezzina, R., Gopikumar, V., Jenkins, J., & Saraceno, B. (2022). Social Vulnerability and Mental Health Inequalities in the “ Syndemic ”: Call for Action. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13(May), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.894370
Murniati, N., Aufa, B. Al, Kusuma, D., & Kamso, S. (2022). A Scoping Review on Biopsychosocial Predictors of Mental Health among Older Adults. Enviromental Research and Public Health, 19(10909), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710909
Occhipinti, J., Skinner, A., Doraiswamy, P. M., Saxena, S., Eyre, H. A., Hynes, W., Geli, P., Jeste, D. V, Graham, C., Song, C., Prodan, A., Ujdur, G., Buchanan, J., Rosenberg, S., & Hickie, I. B. (2024). The Influence of Economic Policies on Social Environments and Mental Health. Policy & Practice: Economic Determinants of Mental Health, Januari(2024), 323–329.
Pastor, Y., Vanesa, P., Thomas-curr, H., Angel, M., Lobato-rinc, L. L., & García, A. (2024). A Study of The Influence of Altruism , Social Responsibility , Reciprocity , and The Subjective Norm on Online Prosocial Behavior in Adolescence. Computers in Human Behavior, 154(January), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2024.108156
Scuzs, A., de la Torre, J. A., van der Lubbe, S. C., Valderas, J. M., Hay, S. I., & Adnani, Q. E. S. (2025). Articles The Epidemiology and Burden of Ten Mental Disorders in Countries of The Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( ASEAN ), 1990 – 2021?: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Public Health, 10(June). www.thelancet.com/public-health
Steinsbekk, S., Bjorklund, O., Valkenburg, P., Nesi, J., & Wichstr, L. (2024). Computers in Human Behavior The New Social Landscape?: Relationships Among Social Media Use , Social Skills , and Offline Friendships From Age 10 – 18 Years. Computers in Human Behavior, 156(January), 1–10. https://doi.org//10.1016/j.chb.2024.108235
Sugiyono. (2020). Metode Penelitian Kuantitatif, kualitatif dan R & D (Sutopo (ed.); Edisi 1 Ce). Penerbit Alfabeta.
Vugteveen, J., Bildt, A. De, & Timmerman, M. E. (2022). Normative Data for The Self ? Reported and Parent ? Reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire ( SDQ ) for Ages 12 – 17. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 16(5), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-021-00437-8
WHO. (2022a). Addressing Mental Health in Indonesia. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325256.003.0003
WHO. (2022b). World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All. University of Maryland Baltimore.
Zashchirinskaia, O., & Isagulova, E. (2023). Childhood Trauma as a Risk Factor for High Risk Behaviors in Adolescents with Borderline Personality Disorder. Iranian J Psychiatry, 8(812), 65–71. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v18i1.11414
Copyright and Licensing
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.