Prevalence of mental distress and associated factors among undergraduate students of University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional institutional based study.

Journal: PloS one

Volume: 10

Issue: 3

Year of Publication: 2016

Affiliated Institutions:  University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Institute of Public Health Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Gondar, Ethiopia. University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Institute of Public Health, Department of Reproductive Health, Gondar, Ethiopia. University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health Science, Institute of Public Health, Department of Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia.

Abstract summary 

Mental health problems affect society as a whole and no group is immune to mental disorders; however, students have significantly high level of mental distress than their community peers.The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of mental distress among undergraduate students of University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia.Institution based cross sectional study was conducted among 836 students from April 9-11/2014. Stratified multistage sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using pretested and structured self-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with mental distress among students. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance.Prevalence of mental distress among students was found to be 40.9%. Female sex (AOR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.17-2.30), lack of interest towards their field of study (AOR = 2.28; 95% CI 1.49-3.50), not having close friends (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.03-2.14), never attend religious programs (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI 1.02-2.46), conflict with friends (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI 1.41-2.65), having financial distress (AOR1.49 = 95% CI 1.05, 2.10), family history of mental illness (AOR = 2.12; 95% CI 1.31-3.45), Ever use of Khat (AOR = 1.71; 95% CI 1.12-2.59), lower grade than anticipated(AOR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.51-2.83), lack of vacation or break (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.06-2.02), and low social support(AOR = 2.58; 95% CI 1.58-4.22) were significantly associated with mental distress.The overall prevalence of mental distress among students was found to be high. Therefore, it is recommended that mental distress needs due attention and remedial action from policy makers, college officials, non-governmental organizations, parents, students and other concerned bodies.

Authors & Co-authors:  Dachew Berihun Assefa BA Azale Bisetegn Telake T Berhe Gebremariam Resom R

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Giang KB, Dzung TV, Kullgren G, Allebeck P. Prevalence of mental distress and use of health services in a rural district in Vietnam. Glob Health Action 2010; 15:3.
Authors :  3
Identifiers
Doi : e0119464
SSN : 1932-6203
Study Population
Female
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study,
Study Approach
Country of Study
Ethiopia
Publication Country
United States