A Study on the Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and its Associated Risk Factors among the Female University Students in Pakistan

The prevalence of depressive symptoms is a recognized mental health issue among students enrolled in university. It is because they pass through an age of transition by shifting from adolescence to adulthood, and resultantly they adopt new roles, responsibilities, and tasks. Such roles are sometimes perceived as stressful, therefore leading to the development of depressive symptoms. This study has examined the prevalence of depressive symptoms among the students (female)enrolled in the newly established university of Pakistan by determining the socio-demographic and related risk factors of major depression. In this regard, a cross-sectional (case study) design was espoused and data were collected from 105 female students via through a self-reported questionnaire. Data were analyzed by descriptive as well as inferential statistics. The results showed that the prevalence of symptoms of depression and its allied risk factors changed according to the socio-economic and demographic profiles of the students. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was higher among students, who were between the ages of 18 to 20 years, single students, enrolled in undergraduate programs, and those in the first semester. On the other side, the related risk factors of depressive symptoms include marital status, socioeconomic status of students, and less weight BMI >18kg/m2). It is therefore concluded that depression is a recognized mental health issue in academia. Since depressive symptoms interfere with the routine activities of the students and may affect their academic performance, therefore, it is suggested that the students may be properly educated about their mental health. The administration of the university should also provide a conducive and favorable environment to its students, in this way the students can be prevented the detrimental effects of depression.