A student-centred informatics approach for depression risk prediction using hybrid machine learning and optimization techniques to support early mental health interventions

This study introduces a student-centred informatics framework designed to predict the risk of depression among students, with the aim of supporting early mental health interventions and personalized educational support. The framework integrates two ensemble machine learning models Logistic Regression Classifier (LRC) and Extra Trees Classifier (ETC) optimized using Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer (SABO) and Golf Optimization Algorithm (GOA) to enhance predictive accuracy and interpretability. The dataset, collected from a large and diverse student population, includes variables related to study stress, sleep duration, and academic satisfaction factors frequently linked to student mental health. A feature sensitivity analysis using ANOVA ranks these variables by influence, offering insights into potential intervention points. The optimized ETC model (ETSB) achieved an accuracy of 0.9638 (96.38%), significantly outperforming other single and hybrid models. Beyond technical performance, this framework provides a potential digital health tool for use in school health systems or student support platforms. By identifying at-risk individuals early, the study contributes to the development of more equitable, data-informed, and preventive mental health strategies within educational environments.