Abstract:
Background: College education is challenging and stressful one. However, there is a little known about mental health status of the students in the college because attention given to mental health service in low and middle-income countries in general is low. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess prevalence and associated factors of anxiety among Arba Minch university undergraduate students.
Objectives: To assess prevalence and associated factors of anxiety among Arba Minch university undergraduate students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Arbaminch University on April 22//2016. Multistage sampling procedures were used with self-administered questionnaire, which includes the Beck anxiety inventory scale. Six data collection facilitators and one supervisor were assigned. This research included 779 students. Frequency, Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to characterize anxiety and other independent variables. Binary and multivariate logistic regression were also used and p value <0.05 was considered as significant.
Result: According to this study the prevalence of anxiety was (193) 24.8% (95 % CI: 21.8, 27.8)( Beck anxiety inventory scale≥22). The presence of anxiety in the family 2.0 (95% CI: 1.272, 3.145), reduction of academic performance 2.38(95% CI: 1.54,3.26), fear of exam during exam period1.876(95% CI: 1.18,2.77) and over burden of the test schedule 1.582(95% CI: 1.04,2.4) had statistically significant higher odds with anxiety.
Conclusion: The prevalence of anxiety among study participant was 24.8%. The presence of anxiety in the family, reduction of academic performance, fear of exam during exam period and over burden of the frequent test schedule were the main factors.
Recommendation: This study recommended educating the coping skills to the students and conducting programs that prevent anxiety disorders.
