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Annals of General Psychiatry

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01-12-2020 | Primary research

Predictors of mental distress among undergraduate health science students of Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, SNNPR, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Asres Bedaso, Bereket Duko, Tebikew Yeneabat

Published in: Annals of General Psychiatry | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Introduction

Mental distress is a mental health problem which includes anxiety, depression and somatic symptoms. 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.

Objective

The aim of the study is to assess magnitude of mental distress and its predictors among undergraduate health science students of Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, SNNPR, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 students. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were collected using pre-tested and structured self-administered questionnaire. Mental distress among students was assessed using SRQ-20, which is validated in Ethiopia. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to identify predictors of mental distress among students. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance with P-value less than 0.05.

Result

A total of 309 study participants were interviewed with a response rate of 99.34%. Among the total respondents 105 (34%) of them were found to have mental distress. In multiple logistic regression analysis, poor social support (AOR = 5.28; 95% CI (2.176–12.84) and current substances use (AOR = 12.83, 95% CI (7.13–23.13), were significant predictors of mental distress among respondents.

Conclusion and recommendations

The overall magnitude 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.

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Title: Predictors of mental distress among undergraduate health science students of Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, SNNPR, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Asres Bedaso
Bereket Duko
Tebikew Yeneabat
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Annals of General Psychiatry / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1744-859X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12991-020-0258-y

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Predictors of mental distress among undergraduate health science students of Hawassa University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa, SNNPR, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction

Objective

Methods

Result

Conclusion and recommendations

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Objective

Methods

Result

Conclusion and recommendations

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