Prevalence and factors associated with depression among university students. A case of Makerere University

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence and factors associated with depression among Makerere University students, highlighting an urgent need to address mental health challenges within academic settings. The study aims to determine the prevalence of depression, identify socio-demographic and academic factors associated with it, and assess their impact. Methodologically, a cross-sectional survey was conducted on 225 students using structured questionnaires to collect data on depression levels and associated factors. The findings reveal that 35.11% of the students are depressed, indicating a substantial mental health issue within the university. Significant socio-demographic factors associated with depression include HIV status, where HIV-positive students have an odds ratio of 9.66 (p = 0.002), indicating a significantly higher likelihood of depression compared to their HIV-negative peers. Gender and substance use did not show significant associations with depression Academic factors also played a crucial role; students with a pass-class CGPA experienced higher rate of depression at 59.09% (odds ratio = 0.345, p = 0.084), in contrast those with a first-class CGPA had a significantly lower rate of depression at 8.33% (odds ratio = 0.089, p = 0.046) In conclusion, the study highlights the critical need for targeted mental health interventions for students, particularly those with chronic health conditions like HIV. Recommendations include enhancing mental health services, developing academic support programs, and integrating mental health education into the curriculum. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of these interventions and exploring additional factors influencing student mental health.