PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY AND STRESS AND ITS RISK FACTOR AMONG ACADEMIC STUDENTS

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence and incidences of stress, anxiety, and depression among university students at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur and to determine the socio-demographic characteristics. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional research included participants from five different faculties at the Khawaja Fareed Campus, Islamia University of Bahawalpur. About 300 students agreed to participate, but analysis was carried out on 249 students aged 18-24 years who provided complete data. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v19. Chi-square analysis and multivariate logistic regression were employed to examine associations and identify significant predictors, considering a p-value of less than 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: Psychological distress was highly prevalent: depression (76.3%), anxiety (81.9%), and stress (60.6%). Moderate depression (36.9%) and extremely severe anxiety (33.3%) were common. Stress was mostly moderate (24.5%). Multivariate regression analysis revealed no statistically significant predictors for depression; however, smoking (OR = 5.76, p = 0.115) and living arrangement (OR = 1.24, p = 0.098) exhibited trends toward significance. Anxiety was significantly predicted by place of birth (OR = 0.68, p = 0.041), living arrangement (OR = 1.37, p = 0.033), and parental education (OR = 1.22, p = 0.027). Stress was significantly associated with living arrangement (OR = 1.30, p = 0.044) and age group (OR = 0.55, p = 0.025). Conclusion: There is an alarmingly high prevalence of mental health issues among university students, strongly linked to academic pressure, socio-demographic variables, and lifestyle factors. Educational institutions must implement mental health support systems, counseling services, and awareness programs to address this growing concern.