SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AMONG HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS AND ITS RELATION TO LOCUS OF CONTROL

Depression frequently has an onset during university years and students that develop depression during university life may be influenced by locus of control. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of depression among students of health sciences in UiTM Puncak Alam and the association between locus of control and depression. A cross-sectional study was done on 315 health sciences students via convenience sampling. Data were obtained through an online questionnaire using CES-D and MHLC-A. The result showed that the prevalence of symptoms of depression among health sciences students was high (42.9%). A negative association was found between depression and the internal locus of control, IHLC (rs = -0.558, p < 0.001), while a positive association was found between depression and both the external locus of control, PHLC (rs = 0.236, p < 0.001) and CHLC (rs = 0.470, p < 0.001). Socio-demographic characteristics that were significantly associated with depression are gender (p = 0.044), CGPA (p = 0.006), living arrangement (p = 0.003), parent’s marital status (p = 0.002) and family income (p = 0.023), while socio-demographic characteristics that were significantly associated with locus of control is CGPA (p = 0.001), living arrangement (p = 0.001) and parent’s marital status (p = 0.004). Locus of control can be considered one of the significant variables when addressing depression among students. The implication of this study for occupational therapy practice is to plan for prevention and develop interventions to assist students in adapting and facing challenging situations.