Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to identify the presence of depression and the sociodemographic factors associated with this disorder among nursing students. Methods: cross-sectional, quantitative descriptive study conducted with 60 undergraduate nursing students from a public university in the interior of Mato Grosso in 2016 who were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: The analysis of the results showed that the tendency to depression was present in 46.66% of the sample, with mild, moderate and severe intensity, with a strong association of depressive symptoms with age and an association of medium intensity with marital status. individual monthly income, religion and family arrangement. Conclusion: The results demonstrate the need for continuous tracking of depressive symptoms and support for at-risk academics, thus minimizing mental distress in this group of people.