Socio-Demographic and Parental Characteristics Associated with Depression among Young Men with Absent Fathers in South Africa, 2008–2017
1
Demography and Population Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A2616
ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT:
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to premature mortality. In South Africa, approximately 2.4 million people were estimated to be living with depression in 2017, with substantial mental health vulnerabilities among young people. Changing family and household structures, driven by poverty, unemployment, migration, and family instability, have resulted in a growing prevalence of absent biological fathers. Fathers play an important role in providing emotional and socio-economic support, and their absence has been linked to adverse mental health outcomes. However, limited longitudinal evidence exists on depression among young men whose fathers are alive but not resident in the household. This study used the quantitative National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) longitudinal data (2008–2017). The study population comprised young men aged 15–34 years with absent biological fathers. Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine trends in depression prevalence over time, followed by cross-tabulations and Pearson’s chi-square tests. Logistic regression models were estimated to assess associations between depression and socio-demographic, health-related, and parental characteristics. Depression among young men with absent fathers remained substantial over the study period and varied by age, population group, parental characteristics, and province of residence. Having an older biological father (aged 50–59 years and 60 years or older) was significantly associated with higher odds of depression. A recent health consultation was associated with lower odds of depression, while maternal non-residence showed elevated but non-significant associations after adjustment. Provincial differences persisted, indicating geographic inequality in mental health outcomes. Depression among young men with absent fathers is unevenly distributed and shaped by parental, health, and contextual factors. The findings highlight the importance of addressing father absence and broader family dynamics within mental health policy, with targeted support for young men in high-risk contexts.
Depression is a leading cause of disability worldwide and a major contributor to premature mortality. In South Africa, approximately 2.4 million people were estimated to be living with depression in 2017, with substantial mental health vulnerabilities among young people. Changing family and household structures, driven by poverty, unemployment, migration, and family instability, have resulted in a growing prevalence of absent biological fathers. Fathers play an important role in providing emotional and socio-economic support, and their absence has been linked to adverse mental health outcomes. However, limited longitudinal evidence exists on depression among young men whose fathers are alive but not resident in the household. This study used the quantitative National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) longitudinal data (2008–2017). The study population comprised young men aged 15–34 years with absent biological fathers. Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10). Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine trends in depression prevalence over time, followed by cross-tabulations and Pearson’s chi-square tests. Logistic regression models were estimated to assess associations between depression and socio-demographic, health-related, and parental characteristics. Depression among young men with absent fathers remained substantial over the study period and varied by age, population group, parental characteristics, and province of residence. Having an older biological father (aged 50–59 years and 60 years or older) was significantly associated with higher odds of depression. A recent health consultation was associated with lower odds of depression, while maternal non-residence showed elevated but non-significant associations after adjustment. Provincial differences persisted, indicating geographic inequality in mental health outcomes. Depression among young men with absent fathers is unevenly distributed and shaped by parental, health, and contextual factors. The findings highlight the importance of addressing father absence and broader family dynamics within mental health policy, with targeted support for young men in high-risk contexts.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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