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Prevalence of Mental Distress and Associated Factors among Undergraduate Students of University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Institutional Based Study

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  • Berihun Assefa Dachew
  • Telake Azale Bisetegn
  • Resom Berhe Gebremariam

Abstract

Background: 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. Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Berihun Assefa Dachew & Telake Azale Bisetegn & Resom Berhe Gebremariam, 2015. "Prevalence of Mental Distress and Associated Factors among Undergraduate Students of University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Institutional Based Study," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(3), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0119464
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119464
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    1. Muhammad Faris Fauzi & Tengku Shahrul Anuar & Lay Kek Teh & Wai Feng Lim & Richard Johari James & Rohana Ahmad & Mawarni Mohamed & Sahol Hamid Abu Bakar & Farida Zuraina Mohd Yusof & Mohd Zaki Salleh, 2021. "Stress, Anxiety and Depression among a Cohort of Health Sciences Undergraduate Students: The Prevalence and Risk Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-14, March.
    2. Sawsan M. A. Abuhamdah & Abdallah Y. Naser & Ghada Mohammad Abdelwahab & Ahmad AlQatawneh, 2021. "The Prevalence of Mental Distress and Social Support among University Students in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-12, November.
    3. Katie J. Shillington & Andrew M. Johnson & Tara Mantler & Shauna M. Burke & Jennifer D. Irwin, 2021. "Kindness as an Intervention for Student Social Interaction Anxiety, Resilience, Affect, and Mood: The KISS of Kindness Study II," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(8), pages 3631-3661, December.
    4. Mulusew G Jebena & David Lindstrom & Tefera Belachew & Craig Hadley & Carl Lachat & Roos Verstraeten & Nathalie De Cock & Patrick Kolsteren, 2016. "Food Insecurity and Common Mental Disorders among Ethiopian Youth: Structural Equation Modeling," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(11), pages 1-20, November.
    5. Karen Mendes Graner & Antonio Bento Alves de Moraes & Albina Rodrigues Torres & Maria Cristina Pereira Lima & Gustavo Sattolo Rolim & Ana Teresa de Abreu Ramos-Cerqueira, 2018. "Prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among dental students in Brazil," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(9), pages 1-16, September.

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