Prevalence of depression among pre-university college students in an urban area of south India

Onset of depression is occurring earlier in life today than in past decades. Adolescence being transitional period from childhood to adulthood is a stage of emotional instability resulting from demand for separation and independence. Evidence suggests that early intervention for depression in children can improve long term outcomes. This cross sectional study was done in January 2010 to find out the prevalence of depression among pre university students in Mangalore city. Prevalence of depression was assessed using Beck’s Depression Inventory II. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Out of 308 participants, depression was seen among 79.2% students. Majority (41.2%) were found to be suffering from moderate followed by mild (26.6%) depression. Prevalence of depression (P=0.027) and severity of depression (P=0.0357) was found to significantly increase with age of the participants. Students of commerce were found to be significantly more depressed than students of science stream (P=0.002). No association of depression with gender of participants or with the type of college they were studying in was observed. There is a need for college students to be educated about depression in order to improve recognition and diagnosis. Also student counselling service offering mental health assistance needs to be established at colleges.