Depression, self-esteem and tobacco consumption in high school adolescents

Abstract

Objective:  The primary objective of this study is to explore and establish the correlation between depression, self-esteem, and tobacco use among 327 adolescents attending a public high school in Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico. Materials and Methods: This explanatory quantitative study utilized the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory for data collection. Materials and Methods:  Findings indicate that at some stage of their lives, 36.4% adolescents may consumpt  tobacco, and 8.3% are diagnosed with severe depression. A positive relationship was found between depression, self-esteem, and the number of cigarettes smoked (rs = .130, p = .001). Additionally, depressive states (β = .007, p = .008) were identified as predictors of lifetime tobacco use, with an explanatory variance of 3.8%. Results:  The results indicate that 36.4 % of adolescents have used tobacco at some point in their lives, and 8.3 % exhibit severe depression. A positive relationship was found between depression, self-esteem, and the number of cigarettes smoked (rs = .130, p = .001). Moreover, depressive states (β = .007, p = .008) were identified as predictors of lifetime tobacco use, explaining 3.8 % of the variance. Discussions:  The demand for preventive and therapeutic actions focused on mental health is emphasized, as these efforts would not only contribute to reducing tobacco consumption but also enhance the overall well-being of adolescents, mitigating the long-term negative effects on public health.