Prevalence of depression among Turkish University Students and related factors

• Published in: Turkish journal of public health Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 133 - 143
• Main Authors: Gunay, Osman, Akpinar, Fatma, Poyrazoglu, Serpil, Aslaner, Haci
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Turkish
• Published: Ankara Turkish Journal of Public Health 01.12.2011; Turkish Society of Public Health Specialists
• Subjects: Mental depression; Psychological aspects; Psychological tests; Socioeconomic factors; University student, depression, Beck Depression Inventory; University students
• ISSN: 1304-1096; 1304-1088; 1304-1088; 1304-1096

Objective: This investigation was performed to determine the prevalence rate of depression and its correlates in students at Erciyes University. Method: A total of 1003 university students at the Medical, Theology and Engineering Faculties of Erciyes University in Kayseri, Turkey were included in the study. A socio-demographic questionnaire and a Beck Depression Inventory were completed by the students. An unpaired t test, a one way ANOVA test and a logistic regression analysis were used for the statistical analyses. Results: Total numbers of male and female students in the study group were similar and the mean age was 20.3±1.8. The mean Back Depression Inventory Beck Depression Inventory score was 11.3±8.6 points and prevalence rate of depression (Beck Depression Inventory ≥17) was 21.2%. The Mean Beck Depression Inventory score and depression prevalence were found higher among the students who had a physical illness, who were not satisfied with their body image or their faculty and who rated the economic level of their families as poor. Conclusion: It was concluded that approximately one-fifth of the students had depression. For the students, studying in a faculty which they are not satisfied is a major factor affecting depression. A better leadership should be provided for the students during the faculty selection procedure.