Depression Among Islamic Seminaries Students: A Cross Sectional Survey

Abstract

Objective: Assess the magnitude of depression among students of Islamic seminaries (Madaris).

Method: This cross-sectional descriptive study is conducted from October to December 2017. 321 students of Madaris in Karachi selected for study. A validated Beck’s Depression Inventory questionnaire translated in Urdu was used. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 22 and Kruskal-Wallis test was employed for association between variables with p<0.05 as level of significance.

Results: The frequency of magnitude of depression among 321 students (mean age in years: 20.87±3.26, SE: ±0.18, %RSD: 15.62%) were found as; minimal depression 176 (54.80%); mild depression 64 (19.90%); moderate depression 49 (15.30%); and severe depression 32 (10%). Geographical background wise no significant difference of depression was noted among students.    

Conclusion: Considerable percentage of students of religious schools is suffering from mild to moderate depression. Interventional strategies along with promotion of prevention of depression should be developed on priority basis for these seminaries.