Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Depression and Anxiety Among Job‐Seeking Graduates: A Cross‐Sectional Study on Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with depression and anxiety among job‐seeking graduates in Bangladesh, as mental health issues are often overlooked or stigmatized. The 689 participants were selected by means of convenience sampling method. A self‐reported questionnaire was used to gather data with sociodemographic data, lifestyle characteristics, 7‐item generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD‐7), and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9). It was established that 48.5% of the study population experienced depression and anxiety at 39.3%. Approximately 86% of individuals who reported the presence of depression and 87.8% of individuals who reported anxiety had finished studying back in the previous 2 years. Multivariable logistic regression models demonstrated that education level was found to be significantly linked with depression (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.908–2.022; p < 0.05), as was social media use (aOR = 1.50; 95% CI = 1.089–2.073; p < 0.05). Furthermore, gender was significantly associated with anxiety (aOR = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.092–2.255; p < 0.05). The study features the psychological vulnerability of job seekers in Bangladesh, emphasizing the social need to recognize unemployment‐related mental health challenges and reduce stigma around seeking support. Findings call for integrating mental health support into employment services and career programs. The study also lays groundwork for further research on mental health interventions targeting unemployed youth. Lastly, the current article releases a scarce perspective of the rates and causes of depression and anxiety in Bangladesh in the light of a new timeframe.