[Co-Occurrence of Mental Health Problems in University Students and Their Relationship With Sociodemographic...

Mental health problems during university years are highly prevalent and often co-occur. Studying the factors associated with the co-occurrence of mental health problems could contribute to the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions.

To describe the co-occurrence of depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms, and problematic substance use among university students, and to analyze the relationship between sociodemographic factors and the presence of co-occurring mental health problems.

A total of 1,470 university students (53.8% female; mean age 19.6) completed self-report questionnaires on depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), generalized anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), and substance use risk (ASSIST). Data were analyzed using bivariate hypothesis testing and logistic regression models.

Among the students, 69.6% reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms, 46.9% moderate to severe generalized anxiety symptoms, and 52.5% substance use risk. A total of 58.6% screened positive for two or more mental health problems. High co-occurrence was observed (between 56.0% and 93.9%, p<0.05) among depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms, and problematic substance use risk. Female students, non-heterosexual individuals, those from low and middle socioeconomic backgrounds, and those simultaneously studying and working were more likely to experience co-occurring mental health problems (OR ≥1.08; p ≤0.024).

A high percentage of students scored above clinically relevant cut points for mental health, with high co-occurrence of depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms, and risky substance use. Various factors were significantly associated with the presence of co-occurring mental health problems. Based on these findings, it is recommended to consider the co-occurrence of mental health problems in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health issues during university years.