A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, COLLEGE OF MEDICINE AND HEATLH SCIENCES, ARBA MINCH UNIVERSITY IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

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.