Mental Health Challenges in University Students: The Role of Eating Disorders in Depression

Abstract

The current study emphasis that eating disorders and depression among youth especially university students becoming significant mental health concerns, so far, their interrelation remains a critical area of research study. The present research also aimed to identify the prevalence and relationship between eating disorders and depression among students of University of Gujrat, Pakistan. A sample of 250 students was selected from the six departments and data were collected using Urdu versions of Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26). The findings of the study highlighted a significant prevalence of both disorders depression and eating among university students. Moreover, results indicated statistically significant positive correlation between eating disorders and depression at p < .05 level, suggesting that students having symptoms of eating disorder are at a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms as well. Results of regression analysis also indicated that eating disorders are a significant predictor of depression among university students. These findings significantly highlight the great need for mental health awareness and interventions programs targeting all mental health issues especially eating behaviors, emotional and psychological well-being among university students. Future study should explore causes and intervention strategies to reduce the impact of eating disorders and depression on the mental health of university students.