A Study of Socio Demographic Factors  and their Association with Depression,  Anxiety and Stress in Junior College  Students in a Rural Area of India

Dr. Mandar P. Baviskar; Dr. Vaishali D. Phalke; Dr. Deepak B. Phalke

Volume : II, Issue : XII, December - 2013

A Study of Socio Demographic Factors and their Association with Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Junior College Students in a Rural Area of India

Dr. Mandar P. Baviskar, Dr. Vaishali D. Phalke, Dr. Deepak B. Phalke

Abstract :

Introduction: Increasing stress on school children has become a matter of national concern in India. The success of currently applied remedial policies is doubtful. A change in methods of imparting education is strongly felt. Aims: To study the socio demographic profile of junior college students in Loni, a rural area in state of Maharashtra, India. Assess the association of these factors with depression, anxiety and stress in the students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in 360 students of P.V.P Arts, Science and Commerce Junior College in Loni. Stratified Random Sampling was used for selection of 120 students (equal number of girls and boys) each from arts, science and commerce streams. The questionnaire consisted of general information and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-42 (DASS). Statistical analysis was done to calculate percentage, mean, standard deviation and Z values of DASS scores. Results: Choice of stream, class, place of residence, change in language of education, income, education of parents, previous grades, peer pressure, burden of expectations, access to educational, recreational and public health resources have an important relationship with depression, anxiety and stress in students Conclusions: Depression, anxiety and stress in junior college students results due to multiple factors and mere change in examination scheme will not resolve this issue. The interventions aimed at reducing stress in students need to take these factors into account while formulating national policies.