Abstract:
A poorly known contagious disease outbreak, like COVID-19, leads to
unavoidable stress, fear, and anxiety. During the pandemic, University students suffer from
adverse mental health outcomes resulted from the continuous spread of the disease, sensational media reporting, and implementation of social lockdown. Graduating class students are
more affected due to cancellation and postponing of anticipated events such as exchange
studies and graduation ceremonies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated
factors of anxiety, depression, and stress among graduating class students.
Methods: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 10 to 30,
2020 at the University of Gondar. A simple random sampling technique was employed to
select 350 students. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire,
entered in EPI DATA version 3, analyzed using SPSS version 21, and presented in frequencies, percentages, tables, and graphs. Bivariable and multivariable analysis was investigated
using a binary logistic regression model.
Results: The prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among graduating class students was
22.2%, 39.6%, and 40.2% respectively. Living in an urban area, living with a family, sedentary
lifestyle, unable to practice COVID-19 preventive measures, and having a contact history
increases the risk of developing stress. Living in an urban area, substance use, sedentary lifestyle,
and fear of infecting family increase the risk of developing anxiety. Students who came from an
urban area, live with a family, study non-health departments, had confirmed cases in the family
and did not perform physical exercise had higher odds of developing depression.
Conclusion: More than one-fifth, more than one-third, and nearly two-fifths of graduating
students had stress, anxiety, and depression respectively. It is better to develop effective
strategies and interventions, train students about self-protection, and establish a psychological crisis intervention team to minimize the psychological impact of the COVID-19
