Original Article: JRCRS 2013; 1(1):07-12
2-Level and Factors Responsible for Depression among Doctor of Physical Therapy Students in Islamabad.
Anum Hussain1, Enfall Shoukat2, Hira Zafar3
1,2,3 Riphah College of Rehabilitation Science, Riphah International University, Islamabad
Background: In recent past, depression has been estimated to have an increased prevalence amongst
students and particularly in medical students which affects their competence, performance and capabilities.
Objectives: The main objective of this study was to find out the level and causes of depression among
Doctor of Physical Therapy Students. The second objective was to find out relationship between different contributing factors and depression.
Methodology: A descriptive cross sectional study was done with a sample of 282 students of Riphah
College of Rehabilitation Sciences. The study duration was from 01 April to 30th August 2012. Details
of data were collected through structured questionnaire contained causes responsible for the depression
and Beck’s Inventory Score to measure level of depression.
Results: Majority of students (27%) from all semesters have severe problem with scope of field. Out of
77 students, 27 have shown mild depression whereas 16 students lie in moderate depression. Students
who do not have any friend issues constitutes 16 out of 52 (30%) fall in category of moderate depression
and those who consider it a severe problem are 27 out of 52 (52%) also have moderate depression.
Conclusion: Male students showed more depression than female students. A direct relationship was
present between depression and family/friend issues. Residence was found out to be a prominent
contributing factor in causing depression in such a way that day scholars were recorded to be more
depressed than hostelites. On the other hand, the students who participated in extracurricular
activities were least likely to get depressed.
Keywords: Depression, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Becks Inventory Score