Prevalence of mental distress and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia: a meta-analysis

Mental distress is an important public health problem and is becoming common health problems among university students.

This study aimed to provide a pooled prevalence of mental distress and associated factors among university students in Ethiopia.

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases. A further search was performed at Google Scholar search engine for additional studies. All observational studies reporting the prevalence of mental distress and/or associated factors among university students in Ethiopia were included. Pooled prevalence with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were calculated using random effects and quality effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Heterogeneity between studies and evidence of publication bias were assessed.

The pooled prevalence of mental distress was 35% (95% CI; 28%-43%). Being female, participating in religious programmes, having close friends, experiencing financial distress, alcohol use, khat use, conflict with friends, lack of interest in their field of study and a family history of mental illness were factors associated with mental distress among students. We found significant heterogeneity, but no evidence of publication bias.

More than one third of university students in Ethiopia have suffered with mental distress. The finding provides evidence that university students are at risk population for mental health problems and suggests the need for early intervention to prevent severe mental illness.