What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Depression and Anxiety (n=400). Primary outcome: Prevalence of moderate to extremely severe depression.

March 2, 2020Open Access

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Depression and Anxiety Among First-Year University Students in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

Key Result

Among first-year university students in Bangladesh, the prevalence of moderate to extremely severe depression and anxiety was 69.5% and 61.0%, respectively, with poor sleep as a key risk factor.

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=400)

Multicenter

Structured PICO

Population

400 first-year university students aged 18-23 years residing at Jahangirnagar University in Bangladesh

Outcome

Prevalence of depression (assessed via PHQ-9) and anxiety (assessed via GAD-7) and associated risk factorspatient reported

First-year university students in Bangladesh exhibit a high prevalence of depression and anxiety, which are significantly associated with poor sleep quality, lack of physical exercise, and excessive internet use.

Limitations

Cross-sectional design prevents identifying causal mechanisms
Self-report methodology is subject to social desirability and memory recall biases
Conducted at a single university with a modest sample size, limiting generalizability
Pre-diagnosed psychiatric illnesses were based on self-report without third-party corroboration

Abstract

Abstract University students, especially those in their first year, not only face challenges related to their personal life but also to their academic performance. Such unfavorable conditions predispose them to psychological illnesses such as depression and anxiety. The present study surveyed first-year undergraduate students to assess the prevalence of depression and anxiety and their potential underlying reasons. A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted with 400 first-year university students aged between 18 and 23 years residing at Jahangirnagar University (in Bangladesh). After providing informed consent, the participants completed a survey examining socio-demographic variables and behavioral variables, along with the PHQ-9 scale, and the GAD-7 scale. Binary logistic regression was performed to determine the significant associations between the variables under examination. The prevalence rates of moderate to extremely severe levels of depression and anxiety were 69.5% and 61%, respectively, with no significant gender differences. The main risk factors for depression were unsatisfactory sleep quality and lack of physical exercise. The main risk factor for anxiety was excessive internet use. The prevalence of depression and anxiety levels among first-year university students was high in the present study and appears to confirm the notion that first-year university students are a vulnerable group for mental illnesses. The findings suggest the need for intervention programs, alongside adequate and appropriate supportive services for Bangladeshi university students.

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