Factors associated with depression among postgraduate students in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania: a case study of Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Depression is a rising health problem in the world. It is a disorder affecting mental health which involves symptoms like feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, sleep disruption, poor concentration, low self-esteem or guilty feelings, appetite changes, fatigue, diminished interest or pleasure, and in most severe cases, depression can result in suicide. University students consist of distinct demography and go through different life and academic stressful events as a result, they are at risk of depression, especially postgraduate students who have to balance between work, academic, family and financial responsibilities. Objective: This study aimed to determine factors associated with depression among postgraduate students at the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS). Methodology: A cross-sectional study design with a quantitative approach was utilised in this study, involving 377 students enrolled in postgraduate studies at MUHAS. Students were initially stratified according to the schools they are enrolled in, and then study participants were randomly selected from each school. Self-administered questionnaires containing the PHQ-9 score for depression and a scale that measures social support were used to collect data. Stata version 17 was used to analyse each objective whereas logistic regression analysis was performed to determine how the independent factors are related to depression. Results: A total of 377 postgraduate students participated in the study and their median age was 32 years, ranging from 25 to 55 years. Among the respondents, 90 (23.9%) had probable depression and factors which independently had an association with depression included physical activity (p-value 0.003), alcohol use (0.007), financial challenge (p-value 0.001) and social support (<0.001). Having higher social support was found to be a protective factor against depression. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study found that nearly one in four postgraduate students had probable depression whereas alcohol use, financial challenges, physical activity and social support had a significant association with depression. It is therefore recommended that postgraduate students engage in regular physical activities like joining sports clubs and limit alcohol intake. Additionally, qualitative research should be conducted to explore more about the factors associated with depression among the target population.