J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2016 Aug;55(3):215-223. 10.4306/jknpa.2016.55.3.215.

Prevalence and Factors Related to Depressive Symptoms among University Students : From the Honam District, Korea

• Lee ME
• Kim SH
• Ha KS
• Park H
• Jung HS
• Park JC
• Kim YS

• KMID: 2351548
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4306/jknpa.2016.55.3.215

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study investigates the prevalence of depressive symptoms and co-variates among university students in Honam district, Korea.
METHODS
One thousand seven hundred and thirty (792 male and 938 female) university students were randomly selected to participate in a survey. Subjects were administered self-report questionnaires : Beck Depression Inventory, Life Experience Survey, Satisfaction with Life Scale.
RESULTS
The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 14.9% overall, and 10.8% in males, 18.3% in females. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, satisfaction with life (β=-0.405, R²=0.257, p<0.001), stress (β=0.212, R²=0.312, p<0.001), suicidal attempt (β=0.133, R²=0.349, p<0.001) and female gender (β=-0.108, R²=0.358, p<0.001) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Among life stress factors, worry about employment, maladaptation of major field of study, appearance and body shape, lack of time and academic achievement were significantly associated, over r=0.25 with depression in sequence (r=0.256 to r=0.321).
CONCLUSION
This study showed very high prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in Honam district, Korea. Intensive mental health promotion programs to prevent depression and early detection of depressive symptoms appear needed to improve mental health status for university students.

Keyword

Depressive symptoms; University students; Prevalence; Related factors; Satisfaction of life

MeSH Terms

Depression*
Employment
Female
Humans
Korea*
Life Change Events
Male
Mental Health
Prevalence*
Stress, Psychological

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