The Synergy Between Mental Health Literacy and Depression Symptoms Among University Students in Morogoro, Tanzania: Implications for Intervention and Support

Abstract

The global surge in depression and other mental health disorders has become a pressing public health issue, particularly among young adults, such as university students. Despite the growing prevalence, awareness of mental health conditions—termed Mental Health Literacy (MHL)—remains insufficient, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Tanzania. This lack of MHL impairs early identification and intervention, leading to delayed support and exacerbation of symptoms. This study aimed to explore the relationship between MHL and depression symptomatology among university students in Morogoro, Tanzania. Using a multi-stage sampling method, 300 students from four universities in the region were selected. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale (CESD-20), while MHL was measured through a standardized mental health literacy scale. Analysis revealed a significant association between MHL and depression symptoms (χ² = 35.62, p < 0.001), with students possessing higher MHL being significantly less likely to exhibit depressive symptoms. Logistic regression further confirmed that MHL was a strong predictor of depression symptomatology (OR = 0.47, p < 0.001). These findings highlight the critical role of mental health literacy in mitigating depression risks and emphasize the need for targeted MHL interventions within university settings to foster better mental health outcomes. Public health campaigns should prioritize MHL as an essential tool for early intervention and support.