Prevalence and Underlying Factors of Depressive Disorders among PhD Students: A Mixed-Method Study in the Indian Context
| Title: | Prevalence and Underlying Factors of Depressive Disorders among PhD Students: A Mixed-Method Study in the Indian Context |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | L. T., Leethu (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. 2022 14(4):1704-1717. |
| Availability: | Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 14 |
| Publication Date: | 2022 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Higher Education Postsecondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Depression (Psychology), Doctoral Students, Incidence, Student Characteristics, Influences, Public Colleges, Psychological Patterns, Mental Health, Physical Health, Symptoms (Individual Disorders), Well Being, Educational Environment, Resources, Supervisor Supervisee Relationship, Conflict, Income, Fear, Stress Variables, Economic Factors, Anxiety |
| Geographic Terms: | India |
| DOI: | 10.1108/JARHE-04-2021-0131 |
| ISSN: | 2050-7003 1758-1184 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: This study estimated the prevalence of depressive disorders among PhD students and analyzed the underlying factors in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach: The authors utilized an "Integrative framework" and a mixed-method approach involving survey and in-depth interviews. The survey was conducted among 240 PhD students using multistage cluster sampling in two public universities of Kerala, India. Data were collected using a self-administered Patient Health Questionnaire-9. In-depth interviews were conducted among 12 students using semi-structured interview guide. Multinomial regression and thematic analyses were undertaken to examine the factors associated with depressive disorders. Findings: About 31.7, 41.7, 17.9, 6.7 and 2.1% had no/minimal, mild, moderate, moderately severe and severe depressive disorders, respectively. Students belonging to economically weaker section (OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.32-7.12), having limited knowledge of local language (OR = 4.24; 95% CI = 1.00-17.95) and earning less than INR 20,000/month (OR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.12-5.00) were more likely to report moderate to severe depressive disorders. In addition, thematic analyses of interviews found that financial hardship, disagreement between student-supervisor, compromised students' support services and an uncertain job market were the key factors affecting the mental health of students and inhibiting academic performance. Originality/value: This study adds to the existing literature by examining the prevalence and underlying factors of depressive disorders among doctoral students in the Indian context. The results of this study can act as a guide for universities and educational regulatory bodies to address the burgeoning issue of depressive disorders among research students in India. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2022 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1357705 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| ISSN: | 2050-7003 1758-1184 |
|---|---|
| DOI: | 10.1108/JARHE-04-2021-0131 |
| Published in: | Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education |
| Language: | English |