| dc.description.abstract | Prevalence of depression among college students is noted to be approximately 30% per college and university campus with an overall national average for severe psychological problems, including depression, at approximately 86% (Field, Diego, Pelaez, Deeds, & Delgado, (2012). Outcomes of undiagnosed depression lead to heightened levels of stress and dangerous behavior patterns, such as drug and alcohol consumption, poor academic achievement, high rates of college dropout, chronic and progressive mental illness, and suicide (Deckro et al., 2010). Depression prevention is important for college student health because of the chronic, recurrent and progressive nature of the disease along with student academic success, college retention, and overall quality of life (Buchanan, 2013). Purpose of this practice improvement project was to impact student health at North Dakota State University (NDSU). The project was accomplished by investigating students' depression-prevention practices, current practices for universities, and evidence-based practice. Several NDSU departments participated in the interviewing of staff members' investigation process for information gathering. Depression prevention is imperative for emerging adults within the college and university system. Providing depression prevention strategies would not only benefit the student, but also the university with improved student retention. Recommendations for depression prevention are to employ a nurse practitioner specialized in mental-health, as this would fulfill the overall student mental-health care needs by utilizing a depression prevention model such as the Peden cognitive behavioral group intervention, depression education for students either individualized or classroom by adding a chapter regarding depression to University Studies 189, and provide mental-health care services. Strategies for college and university student depression prevention practices were investigated at public university websites and published articles. Existing research was available through library access. Through this investigative research process, the Peden Cognitive Behavioral Group Intervention (CBGI) was determined to be a valid, evidence-based depression prevention model for college students. Results and recommendations from this practice-improvement project were presented to NDSU stakeholders to advocate for a student depression model among university students. This practice improvement project examines the importance of being proactive with depression prevention along with evidence-based recommendations leading to healthier student populations, more student safety, and improved student retention. | en_US |
