Depression, Anxiety, Stress among College Students in Bagalkot: A College Based Study

Abstract

Background: Psychological distress such as stress, anxiety and depression are frequent among students which can affect their academic performance, physical health and psychosocial well-being. Objective: Aim was to assess the symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress among undergraduate students studying in a govt. degree college, Bagalkot. A total of 133 undergraduate students from Govt. First Grade Colloge, Bagalkot, were included based on universal sampling method. Questionnaires based study was conducted using the Depression Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS-21) and General health questionnaire (GHQ-28) for assessing the severity of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and emotional distress among students respectively. Result: Level of anxiety was more than depression followed by stress based on DASS 21. It has a high internal consistency and a useful instrument to measure the psychological wellbeing of degree students in Bagalkot. Based on GHQ, females had significant emotional distress as compared to males. Conclusion: Results indicate high grade of depression, anxiety and stress among undergraduate students. This indicates the amount of burden students have to bear in current scenario. Early interventions are needed to improve the quality of life and reduce the stress among student.