Mean Scores of Depression, Anxiety and Stress in Iranian University Students Based on DASS-21: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Jahanshah Mohammadzadeh,Khadijeh Omidi,Shahram Mami

doi:10.15171/ijer.2019.08

Abstract

Background and aims: Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder, and students are more predisposed to depression than other populations. This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the mean depression score in Iranian students based on DASS-21. Methods: The search was carried out using keywords Depression, Student, DASS-21 and Iran in domestic databases, including SID, Medlib, IranMedex, Irandoc, and Magiran. Data were analyzed using a meta-analysis (random effects model). The heterogeneity of studies was studied using the I2 index. Data were analyzed using the Stata software version 11. DASS-21 had been used in all reviewed studies. Results: The sample size was 3229 people included in 17 studies. The mean depression score in Iranian students based on DASS-21 was 9.30 (95% CI: 12.57-6.03), 8.90 in female students (95% CI: 4.50-13.29) and 8.45 in male students (95% CI: 4.03-12.86). The mean scores of anxiety and stress in students were 8.58 (95% CI: 5.95-12.86) and 9.91 (95% CI: 11.28-8.54), respectively. Conclusion: The mean depression score is higher in female students than in male students, and the mean score of stress is slightly higher than those of anxiety and depression.

Highlights

Depression, anxiety and stress of modern life cause severe damage to human’s body and spirit and lead to physical illnesses.[1]
The mean depression score in Iranian students based on DASS-21 was 9.30; It was 8.90 in female students and 8.45 in male students
In the study of Day et al in Canada (2010), 66 students (7 boys and 59 girls) were examined by the DASS-21, where the results showed the mean scores of depression, anxiety and stress were 19.97 ± 10.69, 13.76 ± 7.97 and 21.82 ± 7.76, respectively.[47]

Summary

Introduction

Depression, anxiety and stress of modern life cause severe damage to human’s body and spirit and lead to physical illnesses.[1] Various studies indicate the high incidence of these disorders among students.[2] About 30% of students experience some degree of depression when they enter university.[3]. Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder, and students are more predisposed to depression than other populations This meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the mean depression score in Iranian students based on DASS-21. The mean depression score in Iranian students based on DASS-21 was 9.30 (95% CI: 12.57-6.03), 8.90 in female students (95% CI: 4.50-13.29) and 8.45 in male students (95% CI: 4.03-12.86).

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion