Depression risk screening among students at Ubon Ratchathani University

Abstract

Depressive disorder is one of the most common psychiatric disorders that can affect all populations and significantly impact one’s academics, occupation, and daily life. Depression is a major clinical symptom of depressive disorders. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to study depression-related prevalence and risk factors among the students at Ubon Ratchathani University. Data were collected from undergraduate students in the academic year 2017. Research tools included a demographic characteristic questionnaire, a depression screening of 15 questions by the Department of Mental Health. For descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations were used, whereas chi-square and logistic regression were used as inferential statistics. Out of the total 1,890 enrolled students, 71.43 % were female. Using the cut-off score (non-depressive ≤ 6, depressive > 6), there were 704 students who had scores higher than 6 (37.0%). The risk factor of depression includes the age group of 18-20 years old, students who study in the faculty of humanities and social sciences, participants who do not specify monthly incomes or report their medical problems, those with school difficulties, family issues, love, health, friends, personality, and others problem.  Those listed are at higher risk of developing depression. There are many factors that can contribute to risk of depression. Activities to reduce risk factors should be initiated.