Assessment of depression and anxiety among pre-university students in an urban area: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety in pre-university students in Belagavi and to identify associated sociodemographic, familial, and academic risk factors. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 330 students aged 14–19 were randomly selected from four PU colleges in Belagavi district between December 2021 and November 2022. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the patient health questionnaire-9 and generalized anxiety disorder-7 scales, respectively. Sociodemographic data and potential risk factors (e.g., living arrangements, family quarrels, financial crisis, academic stress) were captured through a structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests, and multivariable logistic regression; significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: Mild, moderate, and moderately severe-to-severe depression affected 40.6%, 26.5%, and 18.1% of students, respectively; 41.8% reported mild anxiety, 26.6% moderate anxiety, and 8.4% severe anxiety. After adjustment, significant predictors of depression were living alone (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.89, P = 0.032), family quarrels (AOR = 2.65, P = 0.007), and study-related stress (AOR = 2.15, P = 0.034). Anxiety was independently associated with financial crisis (AOR = 1.89, P = 0.036), exposure to violence (AOR = 2.74, P = 0.016), and inability to cope with studies (AOR = 2.35, P = 0.007). Conclusion: High rates of depression and anxiety among Belagavi PU students are driven by family conflict, financial hardship, living arrangements, and academic pressures. Early screening and multifaceted interventions are urgently needed to support this vulnerable population.