What are the determinants of stress, anxiety and depression among university students?

• Published in: European journal of public health 2021-10, Vol.31 (Supplement_3)
• Main Authors: Ketata, N, Ben Ayed, H, Maamri, H, Yaich, S, Baklouti, M, Feki, H, Damak, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anxiety; Chronic illnesses; College students; Colleges & universities; Data collection; Graduate studies; Living conditions; Mental depression; Mental health; Public health; Questionnaires; Stress; Students; Tobacco; University students
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.591

Introduction University students (US) are supposed to face academic, living conditions and mental challenges during their cursus. These challenges with stressful events of graduate education could potentially cause depression, anxiety and stress. The main objectives of the present study were to explore the prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among US and to identify their determinants. Methods A cross-sectional-questionnaire based study was conducted among a randomized sample of 1071 US in Sfax Universities, on April 2021. Data collection was performed using an anonymous questionnaire including a short version of depression, anxiety and stress scales (DASS-21). Results A total of 1071 US participated in the study with a mean age of 22.2 ± 2.5 years. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress were 69.2%, 75.4% and 45.5%, respectively. Severe or extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress were noted among 312 (29.1%), 468 (43.7%) and 195 (18.2%) US, respectively. Both depression and stress were significantly more frequent among US having a low monthly income (OR = 1.5; p = 0.045 and OR = 2.2; p = 0.042, respectively) and those who were not satisfied of their university (OR = 2.1; p = 0.002 and OR = 2.2; p = 0.008, respectively). Tobacco use was associated with higher score of depression (OR = 3.8; p = 0.046) and higher score of anxiety (OR = 1.53; p = 0.007). In addition, having a chronic disease was statistically associated with stress, anxiety and depression (OR = 2.8; p < 0.001; OR = 2.2; p < 0.001 and OR = 2.3; p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions A substantial proportion of US are suffering from depression, stress and particularly from anxiety. These findings suggested an urgent need for establishment of preventive measures and interventions to learn how to cope with these conditions positively to improve the mental health of students. Key messages Stress, anxiety and depression. University students.