# Prevalence and associated factors of mental distress among private college nursing students in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023

## TL;DR

This study found that over half of private college nursing students in Ethiopia experience mental distress, with factors like poor social support and lack of exercise contributing to it.

## Contribution

The study provides new prevalence data and identifies specific risk factors for mental distress among nursing students in Ethiopia.

## Key findings

- 52.7% of private college nursing students in Gondar town had mental distress.
- Female sex, rural residence, and poor social support were significant risk factors for mental distress.
- Regular physical exercise and access to counseling services were protective against mental distress.

## Abstract

Mental distress (MD) refers to a range of troubling, confusing, or unusual internal experiences and symptoms that affect more than 25% of people during their lives. Students with mental distress are more likely to face negative outcomes, including impaired cognitive functioning, learning difficulties, poor academic performance, and substance use. This study aimed to address a research gap by estimating the prevalence of mental distress and identifying associated factors.

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gondar town using a multistage stratified sampling technique. The Kessler 10-item scale was applied to assess the prevalence of mental distress. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed, and variables with a p-value <0.05 in the multivariable model at a 95% confidence interval (CI) were considered statistically significant.

The prevalence of mental distress among private college nursing students was 52.7% (95% CI: 48.8%–56.7%). In the multivariable analysis, factors significantly associated with mental distress were female sex (AOR = 2.8, 95% CI: 1.50–3.16), rural residence (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.30–2.95), poor social support (AOR = 2.03, 95% CI: 1.20–3.42), not participating in regular physical exercise (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.68–6.37), never attending guidance and counseling services (AOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.12–4.99), and a family history of mental illness (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.31–5.35).

The prevalence of mental distress was notably high. Associated factors included sex, residence, social support, physical exercise, access to guidance and counseling services, and family history of mental illness. We recommend that the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education strengthen guidance and counseling services and promote regular physical exercise at the college level.