Depressive Symptoms and Academic Performance of North Carolina College Students

Abstract

background Depression negatively affects cognitive functioning and, consequently, academic performance. Studies of this association have yielded conflicting results and have not fully considered other factors that may play a role in academic performance. This study examines the relation between depression and academic performance in students at a large urban university in North Carolina. methods We analyzed data from student responses to the 2008 cross-sectional National College Health Assessment to create categories of depressive symptomatology. E-mail invitations to participate in the assessment were sent to 8,000 students at the university in an effort to obtain at least 900 responses, the minimum number considered valid for a campus of its size. We analyzed the responses of the 1,280 undergraduates who completed the survey. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between depressive symptoms and academic performance in this group. results Students in the second, third, and fourth quartiles of depressive symptomatology had increased, though statistically non-significant, odds of having a lower cumulative grade average, even after adjustment for age, sex, year in school, race/ethnicity, substance use, and level of credit-card debt. This difference was most pronounced among students in the second quartile of depressive symptomatology. limitations This cross-sectional study did not allow for evaluation of causality. In addition, the self-report nature of this questionnaire could have led to some inaccuracy in reporting. conclusions Students reporting even a small number of depressive symptoms may be at increased risk for academic problems.

Association of Depression with Academic Performance Among Final Year MBBS Students of Rawalpindi Medical University, Pakistan

“…In literature, various studies have conflicting findings regarding the association of depression and academic performance of students. A study that was conducted on North Carolina College students indicates that depression and academic performance have strong and negative association and supports our study finding that depression leads to poor academic performance among students while another study with conflicting finding that was carried out among Medical students of Islamabad Pakistan, shows that depression and academic performance have no association and depression does not change the academic performance of students [16], [17]. In the presence of findings in literature regarding the association of depression and academic performance, that supports our study results, we encourage the idea that by reducing depression we may be able to improve the academic performance of students.…”

“…Along with different psychological difficulties because of depression that are mentioned above, depression is also associated with adverse impact on mental functioning and hence consequently it can also influence academic performance [15]- [16]. In literature, different studies have conflicting findings regarding the association between depression and academic performance.…”

“…In literature, different studies have conflicting findings regarding the association between depression and academic performance. Some studies have shown that depression and academic performance are not associated at all while other studies have shown that depression and academic performance are associated with each other and the type of association is negative which means that increase in depression leads to poor academic performance [16]- [18].…”

“…Although many researchers have examined the relationship between depression and academic performance among university/college students across the globe [15], [16], [18]. However, in literature few studies were found that explored this kind of relationship between depression and academic performance among Pakistani Medical Students.…”

Impact of Depression on Food Consumption Frequency among Medical Students of Rawalpindi Medical University, Pakistan

“…In literature, it has been shown that depression influences the way individual eats, sleeps, and behaves [13]. Furthermore, a study has also indicated that depression brings other psychological issues in lives including stress, burnout, tension, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse and impairment in cognitive functions and these psychological issues can affect the performance of students in academics and other aspects of life [14], [15]. However, it has been shown that medical students can learn to adapt by using various coping strategies like positive thinking, meeting friends, discussing it with their parent or guardian, seeking medical advice, consulting a religious person, consuming food, sleeping, using relaxation techniques, playing music, crafting, outdoor activities, consuming media, drinking or consuming other legal or illicit drugs [12], [16], [17].…”