Depressive Symptoms Among Students of Sultan Qaboos University, Oman: A Cross-sectional Study

Objectives: To examine the prevalence, characteristics, causes, and contributing factors of depression among university students to aid in the management of this condition through the identification of root causes and influencing factors. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed students enrolled in various colleges of Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, between 1 September and 20 November 2023. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the self-report Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results: Out of a total of 1036 participants, 349 had depression, revealing a prevalence rate of 33.7%. Most depressed students were female (n = 261, 74.8%) and lived on campus (n = 210, 60.2%). Depression was significantly more prevalent among female students (p < 0.001) and among those residing on campus (p =0.028). The highest rate of depression was observed among students in the Colleges of Science (39.9%), Engineering (38.5%), and Agriculture and Marine Sciences (36.8%). There was no significant association between academic grade point average and depressive symptoms (p =0.462). Conclusions: Over one-third of Sultan Qaboos University students had depressive symptoms, which was more prevalent among female students and those residing on campus, though an over representation of women in university housing confounds the latter association. Further research, especially in collaboration with other educational institutions, is recommended to assess the nationwide prevalence, identify vulnerable groups, and develop effective treatment strategies.