Table 2 Factors associated with depression among unemployed young adults living in Gedeo zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2019 (N = 1419)

Age in years

 18–24

604

233

1

1

 25–30

376

206

1.42 (1.13–1.78)*

1.17 (0.91–1.49)

Sex

 Male

532

288

1.61 (1.27–2.03)*

1.40 (1.10–1.80)*

 Female

448

151

1

1

Duration of unemployment

  < 1 year

705

246

1

1

 ≥ 1 year

275

193

2.01 (1.59–2.54)*

1.56 (1.21–1.99)*

Self-esteem

 High self-esteem

581

207

1

1

 Low self-esteem

399

232

1.62 (1.30–2.05)*

1.32 (1.03–1.68)*

Social support

 Poor social support

425

262

2.11 (1.45–3.08)*

1.98 (1.34–2.93)*

 Moderate social support

411

135

1.13 (0.76–1.67)

1.05 (0.69–1.58)

 Strong social support

144

42

1

1

Current cigarette smoking

 No

823

313

1

1

 Yes

157

126

2.11 (1.61–2.76)*

1.21 (0.85–1.73)

Current alcohol use

 No

778

268

1

1

 Yes

202

171

2.46 (1.92–3.14)*

1.86 (1.33–2.59)*

Current khat use

 No

714

271

1

1

 Yes

266

168

1.66 (1.31–2.11)*

0.98 (0.71–1.33)

Current marijuana/cannabis use

 No

873

372

1

1

 Yes

107

67

1.47 (1.06–2.04)*

0.90 (0.61–1.34)