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South Asian female college students in the United States face mental health challenges shaped by intersecting experiences of discrimination and violence. This study examined how discrimination and violence contribute to depression in this population. An anonymous, cross-sectional, web-based survey (N=673) was distributed nationally through South Asian organizations, listservs, and social media. Validated measures assessed day-to-day discrimination, college-based discrimination, experiences of violence during college, and depression (PHQ-9). Bivariate analyses and multivariate linear regression examined associations, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Over half of participants (51.1%) reported college-based discrimination, 66.1% reported experiencing violence during college, and 25.7% met the criteria for depression. In adjusted models, day-to-day discrimination (β=0.261, p<0.001) and college violence (β=0.207, p<0.001) were significant predictors of depression. Bisexual and questioning/unsure students also reported higher depression scores than heterosexual peers. Discrimination and violence are key social determinants of mental health among this population. Findings underscore the need for culturally responsive mental health services, intersectional campus policies, and evidence-based interventions to promote health equity among minority women in higher education.
Rates of gender-based violence remain high during college in India, a time of adolescent malleability where gender norms, gender perspectives, and responses to violence are open to change. Few gender-based violence interventions focus on college students and even fewer on bystander intervention as a preventative approach - a concept novel to India. This cross-sectional study reached 603 college students in India to examine current gender norms and perspectives, bystander intervention behaviours, and discussion of gender-based violence on campuses. Statistically significant differences were found between male and female college students in all scenarios of bystander intervention response and frequency of discussion of gender-based violence. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed significant differences in those who had never seen violence or had a positive bystander intervention response, compared to those who responded negatively. Given the findings, targeting college students appears a promising approach to change the narrative of gender-based violence and norms in India.