Influence of Academic, Lifestyle and Social Factors on the Levels of Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Undergraduate Students of Maldives National University
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62338/7sx2xf43Keywords:
Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Undergraduates, Academic FactorsAbstract
Mental health concerns have been on the rise among students across the globe as well as among the student population of the Maldives. Therefore, this study aims to identify the factors associated with stress, anxiety and depression among the students of the Maldives National University. A cross-sectional study was employed among undergraduates at the Maldives National University. After data cleaning, 445 participants were included. A self-administered questionnaire assessed academic, demographic, lifestyle, and social factors. Problematic internet use was measured using the 6-item Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire - Short Form (PIUQ-SF-6), social support using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and stress, anxiety, and depression using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Associations were evaluated using the chi-square test, and significant variables were further analyzed with bivariate logistic regression. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among the 445 participants, 80% showed mild to extremely severe depression, 81% reported mild to extremely severe anxiety, and 71% experienced mild to extremely severe stress. Gender was significantly associated with anxiety and stress, marital status with depression, and mode of study with stress. Academic dissatisfaction, academic pressure, and problematic internet use were strongly associated with stress, anxiety and depression, whereas social support was significantly associated with depression and stress. The findings highlight that demographic, lifestyle, social and academic factors play an important role in students’ mental wellbeing. Strengthening university mental health services, and promoting healthy coping strategies are essential to reduce mental distress among students.
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