Prevalence and Correlates of Depression, Anxiety and Academic Stress among Science Students in Oduduwa University, Ile- Ife, Nigeria

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJPH.2013.04.03.Art001

Authors : Lamidi Rasheed Emmanuel

Abstract:

Background: There is an increasing concern on the mental health of university students worldwide. The objectives of this study are to assess the prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety and stress among science students of Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study design was employed on 367 sampled undergraduate science students of Oduduwa University aged 16-30using sample of convenience. The data was collected usingself-administered questionnaires and data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress among these science students were 62.6%, 67.8% and 17.8% respectively. Academic performance was found to be significantly associated with depression. Family economic situation was found to be significantly associated with stress. Marginal significant association was found between ethnicity and depression and between parent marital status and stress. No other factors have been found to be significantly associated.

Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms among the university students. This stands as a great concern in public health. Therefore, there is need for concerted efforts, preventive measures and sufficient supportive services to be put in place for this group.

Keywords: DASS 21, depression, anxiety, stress, university students, Nigeria.

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