Mental distress among university students in Ethiopia: a cross sectional survey

Abstract

IntroductionMental distress is becoming a common health problem among university students. There is limited information in this regard in Ethiopia. This study was aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of mental distress among students in Adama University.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in March2011. Four hundred and thirteen students were participated in the study. Simple random sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20(SRQ-20) was used to assess the mental distress. Respondents who had a score of eleven and above on the SRQ-20 were considered as mentally distressed.ResultsThe prevalence of mental distress was 21.6%. Family history of mental illness (AOR=2.30, 95%CI: 1.10 - 4.81), frequent conflicts with fellows (AOR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.10 - 4.85), Khat (Catha Edulis) chewing (AOR=2.23, 95% CI: 1.14 - 4.35) and not attending religious program regularly were factors associated with mental distress. Being in second year of their education less likely associated (AOR=0.41, 95%CI: 0.18 - 0.91) with mental distress.ConclusionAbout one fifth of the students were found to be mentally distressed. Designing prevention sand treatments programs addressing the identified factors is important.

Mental Health Disorder among Madda Walabu University Students Southeast Ethiopia

“…Similarly, a study conducted in United State College showed that, 32% of university students have reported to have symptoms of mental health problems [16]. Another study reported that the prevalence of mental health distress is (21.6%) among Adama university undergraduate regular students [17].…”

Prevalence, Pattern and Associated Factors of Khat Chewing Among Debre Berhan University Students, Ethiopia, 2014

“…Conversely, our finding is lower than findings stated by Alsanosy RM et al, in higher education institution of Jazan region (24.8%) [5], study from Saudi Arabia secondary high schools mentioned by Mahfouz MS et al (24.2%) [24], South Western Uganda reported by Ihunwo and Amadi (32%) [25], from Addis Ababa private and Butajira governmental schools (35.6% and 31%), respectively as mentioned by Kassaye M et al [15], staff of Jimma University (46%) [26], Jimma city community (37.8%) [9], Jimma university students (33.1%) [16], Hosanna Health science students (27.7%) [17], southwestern Ethiopia (64.9%) [18], Arbaminch town (27%) [27], Adama University (40%) [10], Axum University students (28.8%) [19], and in four colleges of North western Ethiopia (26.7%) [28]. The possible reason might be due to their current accommodation that almost all of the students in this study area are using bed and food services in the university.…”

“…This study also showed that khat chewing, smoking and alcohol intake have a significant negative influence on academic achievements of university students [16]. All in all, different prevalence were reported form different parts of Ethiopia; for instance; 27.7% from Hosanna Health Science College students in 2010 [17]; 64.9% from South-Western Ethiopia [18]; 40% from Adama University [10]; 28% from Axum University [19] and 22.3% from North-Western Ethiopia [20]. Moreover, study conducted among 754 College students in Bahir Dar town showed that the overall prevalence of khat was 19.6% [21].…”

“…where n=minimum sample size required for the study; Z=standard normal distribution (Z=1.96) with confidence interval of 95% and =0.05; p=the anticipated population proportion hence, p=40% (0.4) which is the prevalence of khat chewing found from Adama university students was used [10]; d=tolerable margin of error=5%. The formula yields a sample of 369 students.…”

“…Khat chewing in large amounts can induce psychotic reactions [7,8]. There is also significant association between mental distress and frequency of khat use [9,10]. The recent sharp increase in khat chewing may not only affect the health of individuals but also have serious socioeconomic consequences [11].…”