Abstract
Determinants of Depression among Nursing Students in Jordan
Author(s): Faris Alsaraireh*, Rasha Al Dalaeen and Haytham Al-OranMany students suffer from exhaustion and tension, especially nursing students, and they are vulnerable to depression, due to the study requirements related to the clinical and applied aspects of the curriculum and life pressures, which affect their physical and mental health, and the level of their educational and academic performance. The aim of the current research work is to identify the determinants of depression for nursing students at Mutah University in Jordan. A cross-sectional study was applied to a suitable sample of 385 nursing students. A questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic information and another questionnaire was to assess burnout and its association with depression using the OLdenburg Burnout Inventory scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess level of depression. Multivariate linear regression was used in the analysis to determine the associations and independent determinants of depression. The average age of the students was (22.32 ± 3.64), and most of them were female (81%). The prevalence rate of depression according to the PHQ-9 among the students was 80%, while the major depressive disorder was 31%. Based on multivariate linear regression analysis, the independent associations of depression were represented as follows: crises and life-changing circumstances (aOR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.31, 3.59; p-value<0.01), study levels (aOR: 0.78; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.96; p-value=0.02), total OBLI scale score (aOR: 1.2; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.31; p-value<0.01).The prevalence of depression among nursing students in Jordan was high. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and evaluate the determinants on the basis of which the prevalence of depression among nursing students is determined for early detection and treatment of depression. So, one of the most important recommendations is the need to strengthen and find strategies and means in order to confront and reduce the spread of depression among nursing students in particular, and university students in general.