Determination of mental status of the university students and related risk factors

Abstract

Abstract University time is one of the most challenging periods of a person’s life. It’s also peak period of many mental illnesses. Mental disorders are the most important cause of disability in people aged 10-24 and contribute to 45% of the disease burden. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of mental illness of university students in the research population and to assess the possible risk factors. This study is a cross-sectional study. 345 students systematically selected by population weighting method were included in the study. Dependent variable of the study is depression, generalized anxiety, bipolar disorder and presence of psychotic symptoms. Mental disorders were evaluated using the CIDI and the DSM-5 Oriented Diagnostic Interview Form. 30.1% of the students had depression, 25.2% had generalized anxiety disorder, 9% had bipolar disorder and 2.9% had psychotic symptoms. The mean age of the participants is 20.4 ± 1.6. According to the binary logistic regression analysis, mother with mental problems, sexual abuse, person with special needs in family, pessimistic personality were found as risk factors for depression. Female gender, stay in a dormitory, poor economic condition of the family, mother with mental problems, alcohol/substance use of parent, pessimistic personality, lack of confidence were risk factors for generalized anxiety disorder. Alcohol use was risk factor for bipolar disorder. Poor academic achievement, having the family excluded by society were risk factors for psychotic symptoms. Average income level was a protective factor for bipolar disorder. Approximately one out of every 3 students use alcohol, and one out of every 20 students found to be at risk by using drugs. The incidence of mental disorders in university students is high. Many factors play a role in the emergence of mental problems. Early recognition of mental disorders, effective control and intervention studies are highly valuable in universities. Key messages The social negative attitude developed against psychiatric diseases and patients has a direct effect on the prevention, early recognition and treatment of mental disorders. University students should be seen as a risky group for substance use, policies should be developed to prevent substance use at universities immediately.