Mental health literacy and the prevalence of depression among college students: a cross- sectional study in Iran

Abstract

Background and objectives: Considering the high prevalence of depression among students and the fact that the factors that cause depression among students play a significant role in its prevention and control, and also considering the important role of mental health literacy in depression incidence, this study aimed at determining the relationship between mental health literacy and the prevalence of depression among students. method In a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 270 students of Qaenat Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran, were selected to participate in the study in the second semester of 2023–2024 through simple random sampling. The data were collected through demographic and background characteristics, depression (Beck Questionnaire), and mental health literacy questionnaires (MHLQ). The data were analyzed using SPSS 23 software and descriptive statistics and regression. Results Mental health literacy was at an average level in the students. Also, the results showed that 67.7% (180 people) were free of depression and the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe depression was 15% (40 people), 9.8% (26 people), and 7.5% (20 people) respectively among them. The results showed that mental health literacy, having a history of depression, and doing physical activity were effective factors in the prevalence of depression. Conclusion The prevalence of depression was higher among students with insufficient levels of mental health literacy, having a history of depression, and those with insufficient physical activity. Therefore, it is suggested to pay more attention to such students in designing educational programs to prevent depression among them.