Association between depression and health risk behaviors among university students, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

In our society, people's health behaviors are considered a dilemma that can intensify the probability of developing a disease in the future. This study aimed to investigate the association between health risk behaviors and depression among a sample of university students, Karachi, Pakistan. A self-reported health behavior questionnaire was distributed to 813 consented students. The Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D-10) questionnaire was used, a short, self-report scale that measures the recent level of depressive symptomatology, primarily focusing on depressed mood. Their results were further compared with some important health behaviors and social activities. At the univariate stage, the chi-square test was executed to compare the characteristics of categorical variables with depression status. The effect size was measured in terms of the odds ratio (OR) using logistic regression models. According to the adopted classification of CES-D, one out of eight students were found to be depressed. Among students', females were found to be 70% more depressed than males (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 0.9-3.0). Depression was higher among students who were not satisfied with their lives, were socially isolated, had trouble sleeping, little control over Rehana Rehman

Academic and non-academic life stressors and their impact on psychological wellbeing of medical students

“…On the other hand, a Pakistani study reported a much higher prevalence of depression symptoms (71%) and anxiety symptoms (72%) among medical students [43] . In contrast to our results, a previous report indicated that 12.5% of depression prevalent among university students [44] . In some developed countries, a low prevalence of depression, anxiety, and distress symptoms was reported [15] .…”

Relationship Between Spirituality and Mental Health Conditions Among Undergraduate Students

“…The gender-related findings align with existing literature. Rehman et al (2021) observed that in a sample of university students in Karachi, females exhibited a 70% higher prevalence of depression compared to males. Similarly, another study examining stress and depression rates among university students in Karachi, found significant gender differences, with female students displaying higher levels of depression than their male counterparts (Naseem et al, 2019).…”

“…In another study within the Pakistani context, (Asif et al, 2020) discovered that among a sample of 500 undergraduate students, 75% reported varying levels of depression, ranging from mild to extremely severe, and 88.4% reported similar levels of anxiety. Rehman et al (2021) also reported that 12.5% of the 813 university students surveyed in Karachi had depression, which was associated with factors such as social isolation, dissatisfaction with life, and insomnia.…”

Sociotropy-autonomy, self-criticism and self-esteem in individuals with or without depression

“…Approximately 25% of the total world population and about 34% of people in Pakistan endure agony due to this disorder. 3 It is usually exhibited as mild, moderate and severe levels. 4 Depression is explained as an emotional condition with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, low self-esteem or guilt, disturbance in sleep and appetite, and no interest in different activities.…”