Introduction: Mental health problems among students and healthcare personnel can adversely affect job performance and compromise the quality of healthcare delivery. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among paramedical and nursing students at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Zanjan, the capital of Zanjan province. The study population comprised all nursing and paramedical students at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, selected through convenience sampling. A total of 342 students were assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and Cramer’s V correlation coefficient in SPSS version 22, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of depression was 28.07%. Significant risk factors included gender, tobacco use, and sleep deprivation. Depression was notably higher among female students (38.75%), students who smoked cigarettes or hookah (80.72%), and those who slept less than six hours per night (41.23%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among paramedical and nursing students at Zanjan University of Medical Sciences is considerable. It is recommended that relevant authorities implement targeted interventions to reduce and manage depression through strategic planning and practical measures.