Depression Among College Students: Prevalence And Associated Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Depression is defined as persistent presence of low mood & sadness along with decreased interest in previously rewarding activities. Various studies conducted among college students have shown prevalence of depression to be ranging from 26% to 71%. The aim of the study was assessing the prevalence of depression among college students in J&K and to see effect of associated risk factors in occurrence of depression. Methodology: Survey among college students using self-designed sociodemographic questionnaire and pre validated Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess prevalence of depression; Study design: Cross-sectional study; Study sample: 924; Statistical analysis: Using SPSS version 26 Results: Out of total responders, Females were 660 (71.4%). Mean age of study population was 20.82 ± 2.29. Overall prevalence of depression was 59.8% among responders (32.3% Mild, 18.2% Moderate & 9.3% were Moderately severe to Severe). Prevalence amongst females was 60.3% and amongst males 58.3%. In associated risk factors, Odds of depression among those with history of Smoking was 3.57 (1.22-10.49 95% CI); History of Depression in Family 3.43 (2.04-5.79 95% CI); Personal history of Trauma/Major Accident/Assault 2.77 (1.64-4.70 95% CI); History of Long term treatment for medical condition in subjects 2.84 (1.55-5.19 95% CI); History of Chronic illness/ Life threatening illness in 1st degree relatives 1.94 (1.07-3.50 95% CI). Conclusion: High prevalence of depression among college going students is a major cause of concern with need to focus on creating awareness about it among students and college authorities, to improve health seeking behaviour with special attention to those with history of risk factors developing depression.