Assessment of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Eating Disorders among Pre-professional Coaching Students in Udaipur: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Background: Adolescents attending pre-professional coaching institutes face significant psychological stress due to academic competition and familial expectations. Limited Indian data address concurrent depression, anxiety and stress (DAS) and eating disorders (EDs) in this group. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and determinants of DAS and EDs among pre-professional coaching students in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 randomly selected students (August–December 2024). Validated tools – the DAS Scale (DASS)-42 and ED Inventory (EDI-30) – were administered. Academic pressure (yes/no) and academic performance satisfaction (3-point Likert scale) were assessed. Moderate-to-severe DAS were defined per DASS-42 cut-offs (depression ≥14, anxiety ≥10 and stress ≥19). EDI-30 scores ≥85 th percentile indicated ED risk. Associations were tested using Chi-square, t -tests, correlations and multivariable logistic regression. Results: Moderate-to-severe DAS was reported in 34.5%, 48.0% and 29.3% of students, respectively; 21.8% were at risk of EDs. Females showed higher anxiety (56.7% vs. 42.5%, P = 0.01) and ED risk (28.2% vs. 17.5%, P = 0.03). Predictors of DAS included female gender, urban residence, low socio-economic status, academic pressure and poor academic performance. ED risk was associated with female gender, higher body mass index and co-existing depression. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of coaching students experienced psychological morbidity. Findings underscore the need for structured mental-health screening, counselling and stress-management interventions within coaching institutes, aligned with national adolescent programmes such as Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram and Manodarpan .