Health behavior correlates of depression among university students

The frequency of symptoms of depression and selected health-related practices and events was measured in a sample of 572 students at a large midwestern university. Students reported many symptoms of depression, with women experiencing depression more often and to a greater degree than men. Depression was significantly correlated with 17 of the 22 practices and states of affect examined, but uncorrelated with certain health-related activities commonly identified with poor emotional well-being. Both the determinants and manifestations of depression among university students require further in-depth investigation. Implications for health professionals and other university personnel are discussed.