Background: Depression is described by prolonged and constant unhappiness, lack of interest in pleasurable events, increased or decreased desire for food, disorganized sleep and tiredness, lack of concentration and capability to perform at job as well as at home along with the feeling of uselessness. The aim of the study is to explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its determinants. Methods:  This cross-sectional study established by obtaining sociodemographic, occupational data and depressive scale from staff members and their assistants in Minia University by self-administered questionnaire. Results: univariate regression analysis of socio-demographic data revealed that increasing number of children is considered as a protective factor against depression (OR= 0.576, C.I.95%= 0.357-0.930, P<0.001) and that increasing body mass index is considered significant risk factor of depression by CES-D depression scale (OR= 1.299, C.I.95%= 1.133-1.490, P <0.001). Also, obesity was found to be as a risk factor for depressive symptoms (OR= 3.585, C.I.95%= 1.030-12.480, P=0.045). Conclusion: Prevalence rate of depressive symptoms among staff members in Minia University is 88.6%. Increasing number of children is considered as a protective factor against depression and increasing body mass index is considered significant risk factor of depression.