Prevalence Of Depression Among Female University Students And Associated Factors

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the prevalence of depression and to investigate the correlation between sociodemographic, individual and health-related factors and depression.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 618 university students. Participants of the study were first year female students of Vocational School of Health Services, School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine in the health campus of Dokuz Eylul University in Izmir, Turkey. Data were collected by Beck Depression Inventory and Student Identification Form. Chi-square test, independent samples t test, Mann-Whitney U test, one way ANOVA test and logistic regression analysis were used for the statistical analyses.Results: The mean Beck Depression Inventory score was 11.5 +/- 9.6 points and prevalence rate of depression (Beck Depression Inventory >= 17) was 25.6%. The mean Beck Depression Inventory score and depression prevalence were found higher among the students who had anemia, chronic illness, mental/psychological problems, low economic status, smoking and alcohol use, seperated parents and were living in dormitories.Conclusion: It was concluded that approximately one-fourth of the students had depression. Low economic level, unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, chronic disease and a history of mental problems were the major factors affecting depression prevelance. Intervention studies for university students aiming to decrease unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, alcohol use, and unhealthy diet should be made. Preventive mental health programs for university students should be developed and implemented.