Identifying the prevalence and contributing factors of depression in students of health and health-related schools of Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences in academic year 2009-2010

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Abstract

Objectives: Depression is one of the four leading causes of disease worldwide and is the
most prevalent cause of disease-related disabilities. Development of depression is
associated with dramatic decrease in social, occupational, and educational functioning in
the youth. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and contributing factors of
depression in students of health and health-related schools of Sabzevar University of
Medical Sciences in academic year 2009-2010.Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in academic year 2009-2010 on 307
students. Data were collected in a census through standardized Beck depression inventory
questionnaire and personal characteristics form. Student t-test, analysis of variance
(ANOVA), and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for data analysis using SPSS
software.
Results: This study revealed that 43% of students suffered from various degrees of
depression, including 29.3% with mild depression, 7.8% with moderate depression, and
6.5% with severe depression. Mean and standard deviation of depression score for all
students were 11.38 ± 10.7. Gender, age, marital status, military service status, study
semester, and area of residence were not significantly correlated with depression. There
was a significant negative correlation between depression and grade point average of
students (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that the prevalence of depression was mild
and measures should be taken to reduce its contributing factors.

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Beyhagh
Volume 16, Issue 1
April 2011
Pages 33-43

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