Factors Related to Depression among University Students in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Depression is a serious mental disease that affects both young and old people in the society. People who have gone through adverse life events are more likely to develop depression. Depression can, in turn, lead to more stress and dysfunction, and worsen the affected person’s life situation and the depression. The objective of this study was to establish the factors related to depression among university students in Kenya. A quasi-experimental research design was adopted, where two Kenyan public universities were conveniently sampled. Experimental sample was obtained from one university and control sample from the other university. .The study data was collected using questionnaires and the Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). The prevalence of depression was determined through proportions obtained from the data from the BDI at the different stages of the study. The findings revealed that interpersonal relationships were key in determining depression levels among the students. The study concluded that various factors are related to depression among university students which include age, year of study, expenditure, friendship, dependents, leadership and club membership.