Prevalence and correlates of mental distress among regular undergraduate students of Hawassa University: a cross sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION

Mental health is gradually being recognized as an important public health concern. There is high level of mental distress in the community. Student integration in Universities is usually difficult and involves many factors which are potentially stressing.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of mental distress (Common mental disorders) among regular undergraduate students of Hawassa University, and to study its correlates

METHOD

This cross sectional study was conducted among regular undergraduate students of Hawassa University, during the period May 28-June 6, 2007, which was after the mid semester exam in the second semester of the academic year September, 2006- July, 2007. 'SRQ-20 items' was used to measure the prevalence of common mental disorders among the students. A total of 1198 students were included in the study.

RESULTS

There was very high level of mental distress (49.1%). Highest levels of mental distress were observed among students of the Main Campus, in the Faculty of Business and economics, among freshman students and those students who never follow religious programs irrespective of their religion. Difficulty in making friends and dating; active sexual practice; conflicts in the dormitories with fellow students; income and stationary materials inadequacy; lack of adequate access to: academic reference materials; lack of adequate access to sanitary facility and recreational facility; overcrowding and worrying about personal safety were associated with higher levels of mental distress.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Detailed and focused study about the campus facilities that were proved to be deficient; correction of the deficiencies and the inclusion of a course in the freshman students' curricula that focuses on the mental well being of the young adult, means of coping with stress, possible challenges in the university life and other related issues (with their solutions) are discussed.