Mental Health Problems and Associated Predictors Among Bangladeshi Students

Abstract

Common mental health problems are regarded as public health concerns and can contribute to risky behaviors such as suicide among university students in extreme cases. However, there is a lack of studies concerning such issues in Bangladesh. The present study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the prevalence and associated risk predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress among Bangladeshi university students. The sample comprised 590 undergraduates attending Jahangirnagar University (Dhaka, Bangladesh) who completed an offline survey including sociodemographic questions, behavioral variables, and the 21-item Bangla Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (BDASS-21). The prevalence of moderate to the extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress was 52.2%, 58.1%, and 24.9%, respectively. There were no significant gender differences in depression, anxiety, and stress. Risk factors for depression included coming from a lower class family, being a cigarette smoker, and engaging in less physical exercise. Risk factors for anxiety and stress included being engaged in a relationship. The findings need to be further replicated among other Bangladeshi university students to help in the development of better intervention programs and appropriate support services targeting this vulnerable group including a focus of suicide prevention and awareness.