Comparison of Lifestyles between Healthy University Students and Students with Depression in Malaysia

Abstract

Depression is prevalent among Malaysian university students, yet lifestyle comparisons remain limited. This study compared the lifestyle habits of 853 university students with depression and those without, using the CESD scale (cutoff ≥27). Depression was identified in 211 (24.7%) students, who reported lower physical activity (p=0.001), poorer diet (p=0.000), increased social media use in isolation (p=0.006), and poorer sleep quality (p=0.000) than their healthy counterparts. Findings emphasize the need for structured wellness programs and digital detox initiatives in universities. Limitations include self-reported data and cross-sectional design. Universities should promote healthy habits to support student mental health.