EXPLORING MENTAL HEALTH STATUS AND ITS PREDICTORS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN A NIGERIAN TERTIARY INSTITUTION
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Abstract
Introduction: Mental health disorders among adolescents globally are increasingly recognized as major public health concerns. The social dynamics in Rivers State create a unique social challenge which predisposes undergraduates to mental health disorders. This study determined the pattern and predictors of mental health disorders among undergraduate students in Rivers State.
Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 357 undergraduate students on full time academic programmes in Rivers State University recruited using multistage sampling technique. Data on socio-demography and mental health status was collected online using a validated questionnaire, the Standardized Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS-21) on a 4 - point Likert scale.
Results: Mental health disorders are anxiety (70.8%), depression (59.4%) and stress (37%). Predictors of depression were place of residence (OR = 0.318; 95% CI = 0.147 – 0.689), substance use (OR = 0.196; 95% CI = 0.077 – 0.497) and adequate social support (OR = 2.224; 95% CI = 1.192 – 4.151); predictors of anxiety disorder were place of residence (OR = 0.388; 95% CI = 0.168 - 0.893), adequate social support (OR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.178 – 4.303); stress disorder were place of residence (OR = 0.365; 95% CI = 0.199 – 0.672), social support (OR = 1.756; 95% CI = 1.028 – 2.998) and substances use (OR = 0.291; 95% CI = 0.141 – 0.599).
Conclusion: Anxiety disorder is the most common mental health disorder among undergraduate students in Rivers State University Port Harcourt. Predictors are place of residence, lack of social support and substance use.
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