Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the optimal cut-off score for the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CESD) according to Malaysian adolescent norms. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Nine hundred and thirty-one adolescents aged 13 to 17 years-old completed the CESD and Hopkins Symptom Checklist-depression scale (HSCL-depression). Results: Results from the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, kappa coefficients and odds ratio analysis showed that CESD cut-off score of 27 was suitable to be used according to Malaysian norms, demonstrating a specificity of 93%. Conclusion: The findings suggest a cut-off score 27 should be used for screening of depression for Malaysian adolescents using the CESD. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2): July - December 2014: 146-152.
Multiple exposures to life-threatening events may lead to various mental health issues and indirectly affect the marriage of those affected. Very few studies have investigated trauma exposure, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive symptoms, and marital conflicts among firefighters, a group that faces such exposure occupationally. The present study explores the relationship between trauma exposure, PTSD, and depression in relation to marital conflicts among firefighters in Sarawak, adopting a cross-sectional research design. Different marital status reported significant PTSD and depressive symptoms. The widowed scored higher PTSD and depressive symptoms than the married and single groups. Firefighters with PTSD and depressive symptoms reported having more problems in aggression family history of distress, sexual dissatisfaction, and problem solving communication than those without. Regression analysis showed that problem solving communication (t (212) = 2.59, p = .01) and global distress scores (t (212) = 2.17, p < .05) in type of marital conflicts served as a significant predictor for depressive symptoms. The present study suggests that proper planning for treatment and intervention is needed to improve psychological well-being among firefighters and other high-risk professions following multiple exposures to traumatic events in carrying their job duty. Proper intervention programs also should be initiated for spouses of firefighters dealing with traumatized partners.