Prevalence and Characteristics of Depressive Symptoms in University Students in Melaka, Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Aims: To determine the prevalence and evaluate the specific characteristics of depressive symptoms in medical, law and pre-university students, as well as to perform an exploratory analysis to survey the relationships of depression with several risk factors. Study Design: An analytical cross sectional study was conducted on medical, law and pre-university students of two private institutions in Melaka, Malaysia. Place and Duration of Study: Melaka, Malaysia, between September and October 2014. Methodology: A total of 376 students participated in this study (MBBS= 142, Law= 129, Pre-U=105). They completed self-administered questionnaires which included socio-demographic questions and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) survey. Each item in the BDI can be further divided into 3 clusters: Affective, cognitive and somatic. Statistical analysis was performed using post-hoc test for multiple comparisons and multiple logistic regression. Results: There were 162 (43.1%) students with depressive symptoms (BDI>9). Law students were found to be more depressed with the highest mean BDI score (11.7±8.7) compared to MBBS (8.4±8.1) and pre-university students (8.9±6.8). Affective, cognitive and somatic clusters were significantly higher among law students. For exploratory analysis of risk factors, law students and those staying in hostel were significantly more likely to develop depressive symptoms. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of depressive symptoms among law, medical and pre-university students. If detected early, students with depressive symptoms may be successfully managed with behavioral therapy, emotional support and interpersonal psychotherapy.