Prevalence and Associated Factors of Mental Distress Among Adama University Students

Abstract:

Introduction: Mental health is gradually being recognized as an important public health concern. Tertiary education has always been regarded as highly stressful, university students have always been subject to a massive input of stresses. In order to institute policies and strategies to control mental disorders, their prevalence must be determined.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of mental distress and its associated factors among regular undergraduate students of Adama University.

Method: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March, 7-30, 2011.  ‘SRQ‐20 items’ was used to measure the prevalence of mental distress. A total of 442 students were selected using simple random sampling technique.

Results: The overall prevalence of mental distress was 21.6%. Statistically significant higher level of mental distress were observed among students who reported to have family history of mental illness [OR 95%CI=2.30 (1.10, 4.81),] and those engaged in to conflicts around dormitories [OR 95%CI=2.26 (1.10, 4.85)]. Chat users were more at risk of having mental distress compared to non users [OR=2.23, 95% CI (1.14, 4.35)]. There was observed decreasing trend in the level of mental distress with increasing year of study which is statistically significant at P-value=0.05. Highest levels of mental distress were observed among students who never follow religious programs irrespective of their religion.

Conclusions: The overall prevalence of mental distress in the university was found to be 21.6 %. Family history of mental illness, religion and kahat chewing were significantly associated with mental distress.

Keywords: Mental Distress, Substance Abuse, Adama University, Psychological Distress,