Depression And Its Associated Factors Among Students Of Clarke International University, Kampala Uganda.

Abstract

Introduction: Over the years, mental health disorders such as depression have increasingly become a major public health concern. University students are at a crucial transitional stage in their lives, where they experience various personal, social, and economic challenges. These challenges predispose them to depression, affecting an individual’s ability to function at school or work or cope with daily life. Objective: This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of depression and its’ associated factors among students of Clarke International University, Kampala Uganda. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study design was used. Self-administered research questionnaires were used for data collection, and the BDI II tool was used to measure the prevalence of depression. A total of 361 students from the four main faculties of the university participated in the study. Results: The overall prevalence of depression was 16.1%. In terms of severity, 10.8% had mild depression, 3.6% had moderate depression and 1.7% had severe depression. Conclusion: The study revealed that depression among the students was significant to the academic performance of the student as a demographic factor, and family history with depression, conflicts within the family, and student nationality status as social factors. There was no association between depression and economic factors. Recommendations: The university should develop new and culturally sensitive innovations aimed at managing depression among the students