Risk factors and prevalence of depression among students of the American University of Armenia

Abstract

Background: The most prevalent mental health disorder among college students is depression. Gender, genetic, biological and psychological factors, and environmental determinants are among variables associated with depressive episodes. Stressful life circumstances such as exposure to violence, financial difficulties, detachment from the loved ones, chronic ailments, and lack of care can aggravate the preexisting depression or provoke an episode of depression. According to available estimates from 2013, the prevalence of depression among adolescents in Yerevan was 16.7% (21.6% among girls and 6.2% among boys). The prevalence of depression was even higher among medical students of Yerevan State Medical University: 50.8% among Indian and 27.9% among Armenian students. These estimates suggest that depression among university students could be a significant problem in Armenia. Aim: The objective of this study is to elucidate the prevalence and socio-demographic risk factors (age, gender, family structure, socio-economic status, parent’s educational status, and employment status) of depression among students of the American University of Armenia (AUA). Methods: A cross-sectional anonymous survey will be administered among AUA students. The survey will include questions about the socio-demographic status of the respondents and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale adapted for Armenian population (CES-D- 16) to assess the prevalence of probable depressive symptoms among the students. The data will be collected utilizing SurveyGizmo, an online survey platform. The link of the online survey will be activated from October 16, 2021 till November 5, 2021; and the link of the questionnaire will be emailed to all AUA students. The student investigator will conduct univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. Logistic considerations: The ethical aspect of the proposed study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the American University of Armenia. The estimated budget to conduct the proposed study is 1,190,000 AMD. The overall proposed duration of the study will be three months: from October 1, 2021 to December 30, 2021. Study implication: The results obtained from the study will improve understanding of the risk factors and prevalence of depression and help the student-counseling center of AUA to improve and advance the psychological counseling services provided to the students.