prevalence of depression among young adults: evidence from a cross-sectional study in a college in peri-urban south india

Introduction: half of all depression begins in the teenage years and goes undetected in early adulthood. this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression among college-going young adults in a peri-urban area near bangalore city and determine the associated factors.materials and methods: this cross-sectional study was conducted from october to december 2018, among 806 students aged ≥18 years in a college in peri-urban bangalore. screening for depression conducted using patient health questionnaire-9, with a questionnaire to assess risk factors for depression under six domains: i) socio-demographic factors, ii) family factors, iii) academic factors, iv) relationship factors, v) self-image, and vi) substance abuse. the data analyzed through chi-square test, and adjusted odds ratios generated by logistic regression analysis. results: depression among young adults was 31.1% (18.9% moderate depression, 9.2% moderately severe, and 3.1% severe depression). only 10% of those with depression sought help, none consulted a psychiatrist. depression was significantly associated with female gender [or=1.9(1.3-2.7), p=0.001], living in joint families [or=1.9(1.1-3.2), p=0.023], residing in city [or=1.6(1.2-2.3), p=0.006], feeling parents were too strict [or=2.1(1.3-3.2), p=0.001], conflicts with family [or=1.5(1.1-2.2), p=0.039] or friends/classmates [or=1.5(1.1-2.2), p=0.043], family history of mental illness [or=4.5(1.7-11.5), p=0.002], partner abuse [or=2.0(1.2-3.1), p=0.005], and feeling lack of material possessions [or=1.6(1.1-2.3), p=0.018].conclusion: nearly one-third of college-going young adults in our study had depression, with family and relationship stressors linked to depression. our findings reveal a need for awareness generation among college-going young adults, focusing on seeking care for depressive symptoms, de-stigmatization, and strengthening mental health services.