Depression, Anxiety and Substance Use Among Undergraduate Students at North-West University, South Africa

Abstract

Globally, there is an upsurge in the use of substance. The rate of prevalence in South Africa in recent times is worrisome, particularly among the youth population. This paper investigate the association between depression, anxiety, stress and substance use among youths at North-West University, Mafikeng campus. Data were collected from a convenient sample of 336 (female=62.8%) undergraduate students from the North-West university, Mafikeng campus. Results from the Pearson Product Moment Correlation analyses revealed that depression and anxiety positively correlated with substance use. That is, increased level of substance use may be linked to heightened level of depression, anxiety and substance use among undergraduates. The study revealed that depression and anxiety were responsible for the upsurge in substance use among the youth population. Thus, accessibility to existing psychosocial facilities on campus and other designated centres can provide help to students with depression and anxiety problems and consequently reduce substance use.