Abstract:
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.
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 multistage 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–
PLOS ONE | DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0119464 March 20, 2015 1/10
3
2.59), lower 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), and low social support(AOR = 2.58; 95% CI 1.58–
4.22) were significantly associated with mental distress.
Conclusion
The overall prevalence 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.
