Prevalence and Socio-demographic Correlates of Depression among Students at the Kenya Methodist University

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of depression among students at the university. Designed as a cross-sectional study, using the standardized Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R). Results Prevalence of depression was 24.26 %, majority having mild to moderate depression. Factors associated with depression were drug use, frequent alcohol and tobacco use, poor academic performance, financial difficulties, mode and level of study. The study recommends need for increased awareness of depressive symptoms among students, mechanisms to identify depression early and clear channels of intervention, and further research on the consequences of depression.