An investigation into mental distress among students at Universities in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

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Abstract IntroductionMental distress is a global health concern. Studies show that the prevalence of mental distress is higher in students’ population than in the general population. Therefore, there is need to understand the extent and predictors of mental distress among students to help policymakers and practitioners in South Africa. Aim of the studyTh­e study was designed to investigate into the prevalence and predictors of mental distress among students at universities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. MethodsA cross-sectional research design and quantitative research method guided this study. The data were collected from 844 students from four universities in the Eastern Cape Province using an online self-reporting questionnaire-20 to assess mental distress of students. Multivariable logistic regression modelling determined the association between socio-demographic and psychosocial factors with students’ mental distress.Findings The prevalence of mental distress among students was 53.3% (95% CI: 47.0%, 58.1%). Female students were more prone to mental distress than male students ([AOR]: 4.67; 95% CI: 2.82, 7.72). Poor sleep quality (AOR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.67) and using cannabis (AOR: 3.10; 95% CI: 1.755, 5.51) were significantly correlated with students’ mental distress.Conclusion and recommendations The study found the level of mental distress to be higher among students than what is reported in most of the previous studies in South Africa. Being a female student, a user of cannabis, and having poor sleep quality were predictors of mental distress. Findings point to the need to devise evidence-driven interventions and strategies to prevent and reduce the problem of mental distress among students.

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