Network-Based Characterization of Depressive Symptoms Among University Students in Lahore with a Focus on Central Drivers of Psychological Distress

Background Depression is a globally prevalent psychological issue with various levels of complications. However, not much data is reported from south Asia and even less from youngsters. We have collected and analyzed data for depression symptoms from various universities in the second biggest metropolitan city of Pakistan. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted by distributing a total of 600 questionnaire among university students from different higher educational institutes. 195 of the responses were later discarded during data normalization process due to several reasons. These questionnaires addressed different depressive indicators including academic workload, routine burden, sleep disturbance, low energy, concentration difficulty, appetite changes, and self-esteem. Network analysis was performed using R-qgraph and bootnet packages. Centrality indices, stability metrics, and edge accuracy were estimated. Descriptive statistics and difference tests were performed. Results Using DSI scoring, it was calculated that a striking 56.5% of the cohort met the threshold for mild depression symptoms, 27.9% fell into moderate symptom category and 13.1% minimal, while only 2.5% reached the severe depression symptoms. Only 9.4% of participants reported psychiatric consultation. Prevalence of depression was higher in female students (43%) than male students (25%). Conclusion Depressive symptoms appear to be a serious concern for university students, and most of this burden seems to come from academic and daily routine pressures. Our analysis shows that workload strain and sleep-related problems sit at the core of these issues and may influence several other symptoms around them. By using network analysis, we can see more clearly which symptoms should be targeted first, allowing universities to design mental-health support that actually fits the needs of students.