Prevalence and socioeconomic correlates of depression, anxiety and stress among undergraduate students from reserved social categories in a rural college of West Bengal: a cross-sectional study
Background: Common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and stress are increasingly reported among young adults, particularly college students. Evidence from India suggests that socio-economic disadvantage and social stratification may influence mental health outcomes; however, limited data exist focusing specifically on students from socially reserved categories. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress and to examine their socio-demographic correlates among undergraduate students belonging to reserved social categories in a rural college of West Bengal. Methods: A census-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 176 undergraduate students aged 18–24 years belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes in a government college of Purulia district. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Scores were categorized using standard cut-offs. Associations between socio-demographic variables and outcomes were assessed using the chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was 34.1%, 42.0% and 43.2%, respectively. Nearly half of the participants (48.9%) had at least one form of mental morbidity. Most cases were mild to moderate; however, severe to extremely severe forms were observed in 3.9% (depression), 14.2% (anxiety) and 9.1% (stress). No statistically significant associations were found between socio-demographic variables and mental health outcomes. Conclusions: A substantial burden of psychological morbidity was observed among students from reserved social categories, highlighting an important yet underexplored vulnerable group. Targeted mental health interventions and institutional support systems are needed. Future research using qualitative or mixed-method approaches is recommended to explore contextual and psychosocial determinants not captured in quantitative assessments.