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

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.

Efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) on depression, pain acceptance, and psychological flexibility in married women with breast cancer: a pre- and post-test clinical trial

“…In one study, the following Cronbach’s alpha values were reported: 0.95 for depression, 0.90 for anxiety, 0.93 for stress, and 0.97 for total score. 35 In another study, internal consistency was also assessed using Cronbach’s alpha values, with the following results for depression, anxiety, and stress: 0.77, 0.79, and 0.78, respectively. In criterion validity assessment, the correlation found between DASS-21 and the Beck Depression Inventory was 0.70, with the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale it was 0.67, and with the Perceived Stress Test 0.49.…”

The association between dietary inflammatory index, dietary antioxidant index, and mental health in adolescent girls: an analytical study

“…According to an Iranian report, females are more likely than males to express mental disorders (28.2% compared to 19.28%) [4]. Iranian studies that examined depression, anxiety, and stress based on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21 item (DASS-21) have shown a consistent result; they reported a higher mean score for all three parameters in females than males [5,6]. Additionally, it is noted that 10 to 20% of adolescents (aged 10-19 years) are affected by mental disorders, which makes them vulnerable to poor mental health and related physical problems, including infection, respiratory conditions, and weight problems [7,8].…”

An Islamic Form of Logotherapy in the Treatment of Depression, Anxiety and Stress Symptoms in University Students in Iran

“…A meta-analysis on depression, anxiety and stress symptoms using the DASS in Iranian university students found higher mean values than comparable studies in other countries (Mohammadzadeh et al, 2019). This might be because mental disorders are even more stigmatising in this Muslim country than in Western countries, and this keeps students from seeking help (Taghva et al, 2017).…”