Journal of International Health  2012;27(2):165-170

doi:10.11197/jaih.27.165

Depressive symptoms among international university students in northern Japan: Prevalence and associated factors

Sharareh Eskanadrieh ; Yan Liu ; Hiroko Yamashina ; Kumi Kono ; Asuna Arai ; Romeo B. Lee ; Hiko Tamashiro

Keywords

Depressive symptoms; mental health; international university students; Japan

Country

Japan

Language

English

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this article is to investigate the extent of depressive symptoms among international students and the characteristics of those at risk.
Methods
Evidence is derived from self-administered questionnaire interviews of 480 international students enrolled in a university in northern Japan. Depressive symptoms are measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. The associations of socio-demographic characteristics with depressive symptoms are examined using multiple logistic regression analysis.
Results
Of the 480 respondents, 197 (41%) have depressive symptoms. The results indicate that gender, course category, and residential arrangement are significantly associated with the risk of having depressive symptoms.
Discussion
Depressive symptoms are relatively prevalent, but these are not a generalized condition since these tend to occur among specific sub-groups of international students. There is a need to further investigate the mental illness so that those with elevated risks are identified and given support.