The relationship between depression severity and perceived stigma, and their prevalence in Lebanese college students

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between depression and perceived stigma in a Lebanese subsample of college students. A survey containing a socio-demographic sheet, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and the Depression Stigma Scale (DSS) was distributed to 103 Lebanese students aged 18 to 25, across different universities in Lebanon. The data was analyzed using the 23rd version of SPSS software, and normality was then tested using Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests, histograms and Normal Q-Q plots. The results indicate that the sample as a whole is considered to have moderate depression (M=39.65; SD= 26.61; p< .01). Consistent with the hypothesis, depression and perceived stigma were significantly correlated (r= .46; p< .01). The variables associated with higher depression scores was low socioeconomic status (r= -.255; p= .009) and choice of college (r= .514; p<.01). Perceived stigma was not associated with any sociodemographic factors. Lebanese university students showed moderate depression and high levels of perceived stigma, with both constructs being positively correlated. These findings may be built upon to guide theory and inform policy in the Middle East. Efforts to reduce perceived stigma should aim at raising awareness about depression and disseminating knowledge about mental health.