Exploring first year male students` lived experiences of depressive symptoms at the North- West University

Abstract

Depression among university students is an increasing public health problem globally and locally. In general, university students are prone to develop depressive symptoms. South African students seem to have a higher than average rate of suicidal ideations predicted most by depressive symptoms compared to the national population and international student populations. Depression and suicide rates in universities are significantly rising. Depressive symptoms may be due to university years, which can be a stressful period, especially among black male students, as they transition from home to university. In South Africa, there has been less research conducted on first-year black male students. Literature highlights that males are four times likely to commit suicide compared to females, and there are several risk factors to which black students are more likely to have exposure to, compared to other students. Furthermore, depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviour among black male South African students is on the rise, and it was with this background in mind that this study aimed to qualitatively explore first-year black male students' lived experiences of depressive symptoms at North-West University (Potchefstroom, Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark campuses).The study utilised a qualitative descriptive design. Purposive sampling selected participants, and semi-structured interviews collected the data. Determining the sample size was by data saturation after interviewing 10 participants. The data was analysed using thematic data analysis. The findings alluded that participants not only understood the meaning of depressive symptoms, but also experienced them. There was in-depth exploring of the factors contributing to depressive symptoms. Of note were factors such as poor social support that contributes to depressive symptoms, loss of a loved one, academic

challenges that contribute to depressive symptoms, financial constraints, challenges related to accommodation, COVID 19 pandemic, and language barriers. Lastly, the coping strategies that participants employed when experiencing the depressive symptoms were noted. These coping strategies included listening to music and watching movies, physical activities, externalising behaviour, sleep and being alone, accepting the depressive symptoms, and connecting with a higher power. The study will contribute to the limited literature on depression in black male students, in South Africa.