Assessment of relationship between Body Mass Index and Level of Depression among Nursing Students attending colleges in selected areas

Background: 
Depression is a major public health concern worldwide. This study assessed the relationship 
between Body Mass Index (BMI) and level of depression among nursing students. A 
quantitative descriptive correlational design was used with 60 participants. Results showed a 
positive but non-significant correlation (r = 0.23) between BMI and depression. Most students 
had normal BMI, while many experienced mild to moderate depression. 
Objectives: 
To assess Body Mass Index and level of depression among Nursing students attending colleges 
in selected areas. 
Methods: 
A quantitative descriptive correlational research design was adopted. The study was conducted 
in selected nursing colleges. A total of 60 nursing students were selected using non-probability 
purposive sampling. Data were collected using BMI measurements and a structured depression 
scale. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential tests such as Pearson’s 
correlation and Fisher’s exact test. 
Results: 
The study revealed that 63.3% of students had normal BMI, while 21.7% were underweight, 
11.7% overweight, and 3.3% obese. Regarding depression, 45% had mild depression, 25% 
moderate, 26.7% minimal, and 3.3% severe depression. A positive correlation (r = 0.23) was 
found between BMI and depression, but it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No 
significant association was found between depression and demographic variables, whereas age 
showed significant association with BMI.