A study on prevalence of depression and anxiety, amongst female students, in professional courses

Author(s): Snigdha Pattnaik

Abstract

Epidemiologic and clinical investigations indicate that onset of depressive disorders usually occurs during adolescence or early adulthood. The clinical presentation of adolescent-onset depression shares a variety of features with that of adult onset. Both are more common in females; are frequently associated with anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and/or suicidal behavior; and result in impairment in social and academic or occupational functioning. The study was conducted to find out the prevalence of anxiety and depression amongst female students of professional college in Hyderabad. The main objective of the present study is to: Estimate the prevalence of anxiety, depression and its overall impact on female students pursuing studies in medicine and technology. Two batches of medical and engineering female students each totaling up to 264 were interviewed with a valid, pre tested questionnaire. Cross sectional study was conducted in this chosen segment of population. Questionnaire used: Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 and Goldberg Depression Scale. Of the total number,264, of females assessed around 60% (160) were depressed In females, 7 (2.65%) were reported to be “severely depressed”, 11 (4.16%) reported “moderate to severe depression”, 44 (16.66%) were found with “minor to moderate depression” , 19 (7.19%) were “ on the verge of depression”, 79 (29.92%) had “minor depression” while in 104 (39.39%) no signs of depression were observed. Of the 264 females, about 58% of female students were anxious.16 (6.06%) have “severe anxiety”, 39 (14.77%) “Moderate anxiety”, 97 (36.74%) “Mild anxiety” while 112 (42.42%) were not anxious.

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