Ahmed K Ibrahim1, Shona J Kelly, Cris Glazebrook. 1. Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Community Health School, Assiut University, Asyut, Egypt. ahmed.khair@yahoo.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Many university students experience some symptoms of depression during the course of their studies but there is evidence that students from less advantaged backgrounds may be more vulnerable. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional online survey of 923 undergraduate students attending 6 U.K. Universities in the academic year 2009-2010 who completed a modified version of the Zagazig Depression Scale (ZDS). RESULTS: Overall, 58.1% of female and 59.9% of male study participants screened positive for depression (ZDS score >10). In the fully adjusted model, final year students (OR = 1.8) who lived in a more deprived area (OR = 2.3) were more likely to report higher rates of depressive symptoms. Additionally, students with high perceived control (OR = 1.6) whose mothers were highly educated (OR = 0.5) and from a family of a high affluence (OR = 0.3) were less likely to suffer from higher rates of depressive symptoms. The relationship between lower social economic status and depression was partly mediated by low sense of control. CONCLUSION: Students from less advantaged backgrounds are more at risk of depression but a strong sense of control over one's life may be protective. APPLICATION: Since depression has strong impact on students' learning and quality of life universities should consider confidential screening for mental health problems and provide additional support for students.
BACKGROUND: Many university students experience some symptoms of depression during the course of their studies but there is evidence that students from less advantaged backgrounds may be more vulnerable. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional online survey of 923 undergraduate students attending 6 U.K. Universities in the academic year 2009-2010 who completed a modified version of the Zagazig Depression Scale (ZDS). RESULTS: Overall, 58.1% of female and 59.9% of male study participants screened positive for depression (ZDS score >10). In the fully adjusted model, final year students (OR = 1.8) who lived in a more deprived area (OR = 2.3) were more likely to report higher rates of depressive symptoms. Additionally, students with high perceived control (OR = 1.6) whose mothers were highly educated (OR = 0.5) and from a family of a high affluence (OR = 0.3) were less likely to suffer from higher rates of depressive symptoms. The relationship between lower social economic status and depression was partly mediated by low sense of control. CONCLUSION: Students from less advantaged backgrounds are more at risk of depression but a strong sense of control over one's life may be protective. APPLICATION: Since depression has strong impact on students' learning and quality of life universities should consider confidential screening for mental health problems and provide additional support for students.
Authors: Halyna Lugova; Jo Ann Andoy-Galvan; Sapna S Patil; Yin How Wong; Gul M Baloch; Adlina Suleiman; Rusli Nordin; Karuthan Chinna Journal: Community Ment Health J Date: 2021-01-08
Authors: Margaret McLafferty; Coral R Lapsley; Edel Ennis; Cherie Armour; Sam Murphy; Brendan P Bunting; Anthony J Bjourson; Elaine K Murray; Siobhan M O'Neill Journal: PLoS One Date: 2017-12-13 Impact factor: 3.240