Socio-demographic and substance-related factors associated with mental distress among Wollo university students: institution-based cross-sectional study

Background: The presence of mental distress among students affects their cognitive, emotional, physical, and interpersonal functioning. Besides, it predisposes to substance use problems and finally affects academic performance negatively. Therefore, this study was designed to estimate the magnitude and identify associated factors for the mental distress of students at Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia. 

Methods: This institution-based cross-sectional survey assessed mental distress among 585 undergraduate students at Wollo University from April 10 to May 10/2019 using a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. Kessler-10 item scale was used to collect data about mental distress. Variables with p-value < 0.25 in bivariate logistic regression were pooled into a multi-variable logistic regression model and p-value < 0.05 in the multi-variable model was considered significant statistically. The strength of the relationship was interpreted using the odds ratio with 95% CI. The model adequacy in multi-variable regression was approved with Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit test. 

Results: Among 585 questionnaires distributed, 548 clear and completed questionnaires were included in the analysis with a response rate of 93.7%. The mental distress prevalence in the current study was 106 (19.3%). From this 65 (11.9%), 28 (5.1%), and 13 (2.4%) were found to be mild, moderate and severe mental distress respectively. Never attending a place of worship (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.73, 10.39), family history of mental illness (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.12, 3.95), current cigarette smoking (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.69, 6.20), current alcohol use (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.49, 4.25), and current cannabis use (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.18, 9.57) were the associated factors for mental distress. 

Conclusion: One in five students was affected by mental distress. Never attending a place of worship, family history of mental illness, current cigarette smoking, current alcohol use, and current cannabis use were the factors associated with it. Therefore, all stakeholders should be involved in overcoming this public health problem. Besides, clubs should be established in the university and have to play an active role in bringing behavioral change to substance use.