Abstract
BACKGROUND: Depression in adolescents is a significant mental health issue in Indonesia. Parents' inability to cope with adolescent depression is a key risk factor. This study reports the development and evaluation of a guide for parents to prevent adolescent depression, focusing on emotional and instrumental support in Deli Serdang, Indonesia. The objective of the study was to analyze the association between levels of emotional and instrumental support and adolescent depression. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2023 to September 2024 at 5 community health centres in Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia. A total of 202 purposively selected households with adolescents. Inclusion criteria were families with individuals aged 15-24 years without a current diagnosis of depression and willingness to participate. Data were collected using a validated, structured questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, covering demographic factors, parenting style, and levels of emotional and instrumental support. Emotional and instrumental support scores were categorized into "good" and "lacking." Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression were used with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Good emotional support was reported by 67.3% (95% CI) and good instrumental support by 66.0% (95% CI). Both emotional support (P = 0.008; OR = 7.56, 95% CI: 6.12-7.56) and instrumental support (P = 0.013; OR = 6.06, 95% CI: 5.33-6.12) were significantly associated with lower depression prevalence among adolescents. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that family empowerment through enhanced emotional and instrumental support is associated with lower depression prevalence among adolescents and should be integrated into community mental health programs.