Background & Objectives:
Depression is one of the four major diseases worldwide and is the most common cause disease complications such as disability.
Depression is a leading cause of suicide, which has been on a growing trend in the recent years.
Depression can affect an individual’s health, abilities, sense of success, and attractiveness, which are of great importance in life. One of the most detrimental effects of depression is the lack of desire to work and thrive. Given the importance of the prevalence of depression among students and implementing precautionary programs, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among students of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences.
Materials & Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in students of School of Paramedic Sciences, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, ۲۰۱۵. Of ۱۵۰۰ students, ۲۲۰ participants were randomly selected, and after obtaining the informed consent, they completed
Beck Depression Inventory. According to this questionnaire, the levels of depression are categorized as follows: ۱-۱۰ normal, ۱۱-۱۶ mild mood disturbances, ۱۷-۲۰ borderline clinical depression, ۲۱-۳۰ moderate depression, ۳۱-۴۰ severe depression, and more than ۴۰ extreme depression. The questionnaire consisted of two sections of demographic data and variables on depression. After studying reliable books and journals in the field, the questionnaire was given to ۱۰ experts and the final revisions were made based on their comments. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using test-retest reliability (r=۰.۹۶). Chi-square test was performed to analyze the data, using SPSS. P-value less than ۰.۰۵ was considered statistically significant.
Results: Approximately, ۲۲%, ۱۸%, ۴%, and ۱۶% of the students had mild mood disturbances, severe depression, borderline clinical depression, and moderate depression, respectively. The results showed that the rate of depression was higher in female students. Major also had a significant relationship with depression, that is, students of Laboratory Sciences had the highest level of depression, while the students of the Operating Room had the lowest level.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated the high prevalence of depression among students. Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the contributing factors to depression. Early detection of these factors can prevent the adverse complications of this condition.