Prevalence and Causes of Stress and Depression Among Students at Karachi Universities

Background and Objective: Stress and depression are increasingly prevalent among university students in Karachi, a developing city grappling with economic instability. The study addresses the mental health impact of academic demands, technostress from forced digitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the dual burden of jobs and studies. The main objective is to examine the prevalence, causes, and consequences of stress and depression and identify vulnerable subgroups among undergraduates. Materials and Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The sample included 404 undergraduate students from five major universities: The University of Karachi, Federal Urdu University (Gulshan and Abdul Haq Campuses), NED University, and Sir Syed University. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis, showing p<0.05 between working and non-working students. Results: Findings indicate high levels of stress and depressive symptoms, with academic pressure and financial strain as leading contributors, but the actual reason is still needed to understand. Technostress and sleep disturbances were significant among students affected by digital learning transitions. Working students reported higher emotional exhaustion and cognitive overload. Gender-based differences in coping mechanisms and reported symptoms were also observed. Conclusion: This study highlights a complex interplay of academic, economic, and social factors affecting student mental health in Karachi. The findings contribute to understanding localized stressors and support the need for targeted mental health interventions and policy adjustments.