Understanding Mental Health Needs and Predictors of Anxiety in Emirati Female Students in Higher Education

Abstract

The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress range between 5% to 70% globally. Many students experience these mental health conditions as they go through transitional periods in life, such as starting higher education. This study aimed to explore mental health concerns, specifically depression, anxiety, stress, and quality of sleep, in Emirati female university students, a topic that has been understudied in the Middle East. We used the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales (DASS-21) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess 23 bilingual (Arabic/English) female adolescent Emirati students in the UAE. The data was analyzed using a multiple regression analysis. We found that most participants had normal levels of depression and stress, but over 60% of them had moderate to severe anxiety symptoms. Additionally, a substantial majority reported poor sleep quality. Stress was a significant predictor of anxiety, explaining 53.3% of the variance in anxiety scores. Although other factors influence anxiety, stress seems to be a substantial contributor. This study investigates the pervasive issue of anxiety among adolescent Emirati female students, with stress emerging as a major contributing factor. The preliminary findings underscore the imperative for additional research. Our exploration provides a roadmap for a comprehensive evaluation of mental health concerns within this population, offering valuable insights into potential preventive and intervention strategies that warrant further investigation.