Dating Stress, Depression and Anxiety Symptoms: A Study among University Students in Uganda

Abstract

Objectives: Worldwide, dating related stress and its impact on mental health among students has turned out to be of public health concern. However, research on this phenomenon in low- and middle-income countries (LAMIC) remains lacking. This study described the occurrence of dating-related stress and its association with psychological state aspects of depression and anxiety among students in a Ugandan University. Methods: In this cross-sectional study using convenient sampling, 255 students were interviewed on their exposure to dating stress using psychological victimization scale (PVS), depression using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety using Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Data were analyzed using Stata version 12.1 and correlations and associations were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence rate of dating-related stress was at 88%. Specifically, students who had ever experienced dating related stress were more than five times likely to suffer from depression compared to those who have never experienced dating related stress (OR=5.9; 95% CI=1.9, 13.3, P ≤ 0.001). Students who had ever experienced dating related stress were more than four times likely to suffer anxiety than those who have never experienced dating related stress (OR= 4.2; 95% CI=1.6, 11.1; P=0.004). Conclusion: There is high dating related stress which subsequently impacts the psychological wellbeing of students in Universities. We recommend that dating related stress be given due attention and corrective action from institution officials and counselors to provide appropriate positive coping mechanisms like psycho-education and stress prevention programs.