Correlates and Predictors of Depression in College Students: Results from the Spring 2000 National College Health Assessment

Abstract

The present analyses used depression-related items and co-factors from the National College Health Assessment (NCHA), Spring 2000. The results indicate 10.3 % of college students (6.2% male and 12.6% female) reported ever having been diagnosed with depression. Of those ever diagnosed with depression, 39% were diagnosed in the last year, 27% were currently in therapy, and 34% were currently taking medication for depression. Results from the logistic regression analyses demonstrated that female, white, gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender, or those students in an emotionally abusive relationship were predictive for having ever been diagnosed with depression and current diagnosis for depression. Results also demonstrated that health educators and student health center medical staff are rated by college students as the most believable sources of health information. Health educators are on the first line of defense, along with medical professionals, for conveying believable health information. Health educators should be aware of the proportion of college students having ever been diagnosed with depression, inform students of the symptoms of depression, and encourage students to seek help from appropriate campus and community services.