Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Major Depression and Suicidal Ideation among University Students in the Middle East

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in a survey done in 2009, 30% of university students admitted to feeling so depressed that it was difficult to function. University students in Middle Eastern countries are not an exception to Depression and other related symptoms, such as low mood and suicidal thoughts. Evidence reveals that university students show symptoms of Major Depression and Suicidal Ideation in most Middle Eastern Countries, such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan. Major Depression, also known as unipolar or major depressive disorder, is characterized by a feeling of continuous sadness and dejection. Along with low mood, persistent thoughts of suicide are also a common symptom of Major Depression. In this paper, we explore the prevalence of Major Depression and Suicidal Ideation among university students in the Middle Eastern countries. Regardless of the major, higher education level or gender, we are looking to analyze the existing research available to determine the extent of Major Depression, Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal thoughts in students enrolled in Middle Eastern universities. The studies that will be included are published in peer-reviewed literature. It is also important to mention that we would only be considering research papers published in the English Language. In addition to that, we are inclined to review literature published only within the last two decades, from 1998 to 2018.