PREVALENCE OF MENTAL DISTRESS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Although mental health problems affect society as a whole and no group is immune to mental disorders; today in ultra competitive environment 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 random 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), decrease 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) , low social support(AOR=2.58; 95% CI 1.58-4.22) and moderate social support( AOR= 2.50;95% CI 1.54-4.04) were significantly associated with mental distress. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of mental distress among students was found to be high. Being female sex , lack of interest towards the field of study, not having close friends, never attend religious programs, conflict with friends, having financial distress, family history of mental illness, ever use of Khat, lower grade than anticipated, lack of vacation or break, and low to moderate social support were factors associated with mental distress.