Background This study explores the relationship between depression and personal hygiene practices among university students in Bangladesh.

Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted, utilizing an 18-item Personal Hygiene Practice Questionnaire (PHPQ) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to assess hygiene behaviors and depression risk among 1,913 undergraduate students in Dhaka. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and ordered logistic regression. The PHPQ was validated through item analysis, internal consistency, construct validity and reliability tests.

Results A high prevalence of depression risk was revealed with 79.9% of females and 73.9% of males. Females demonstrated superior hygiene practices, with 90.1% classified as having good hygiene compared to 75.0% of males. Accommodation type significantly influenced both depression and hygiene, as students living in privately managed housing exhibited better hygiene practices (88.6% good hygiene) and lower depression risk (73.2%) compared to those living at home (79.2%) or in university housing (78.7%). Ordered logistic regression analysis indicated that students at risk of depression had 65% lower odds of maintaining better hygiene practices (OR = 0.36, p < 0.001), and male students were 68% less likely to have higher hygiene scores than females (OR = 0.32, p < 0.001). The Exploratory Factor Analysis and Cronbach’s alpha are confirming its reliability (α = 0.83) and strong internal consistency.

Conclusion These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions in university settings to address mental health and hygiene education. Further research should explore socio-economic and cultural factors influencing these relationships.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

The author(s) received no specific funding for this work.

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The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. We obtained written informed consent from all participants provided through a separate page attached before the questionnaire. Participants were informed about nature and purpose of the study, and their right to withdraw from the study any time they want. Ethical approval for this study was provided by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Daffodil International University (DIU) and the approval number is FAHSREC/DIU/2024/SMIG-18.

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