Abstract
Depression is more prevalent among medical students. Its level can be changed by different factors. The present study was designed and implemented in order to determine the path analysis of factors affecting depression in students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences. This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 291 randomly selected students of Qazvin University of Medical Sciences in 2018. Data were collected using demographic characteristics questionnaires, Beck Depression Inventory and Gadzla Academic Stress Questionnaire. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and F test, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS software version 22, and significance level 0.05. According to the path analysis final model, there was a significant relationship between age and hope for continuing education with academic stress, and there was no significant relationship between satisfaction and academic stress. There was a significant relationship between age, hope for continuing education, academic satisfaction and stress with depression (p < 0.001). According to the obtained results, measures should be taken in order to reduce individual and environmental stresses and factors effective in depression. Detection and follow-up in disease cases, especially in the younger generation, is important in preventing debilitative effects of the disease, and its consequences should be prevented by quick and timely detection.