Prevalence of Common Mental Illness and Its Associated Factors among Hawassa City High School Students in Hawassa, Sidama Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Common mental illness is a group of mental disorders that include depression, anxiety, and somatoform disorders. World Health Organization estimated that common mental illness accounts for 30% of non-fatal disease burden worldwide. There are limited school-based studies on adolescent mental health in developing countries like Ethiopia, particularly in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of common mental illness and associated factors among Hawassa City secondary and preparatory school students, in Hawassa City, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted between 30th October and 1st December 2020. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 634 students and a Self-Reported Questionnaire was used to assess common mental illness. Data were coded and double entry undertaken using EpiData version 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 for analysis. Bivariable logistic regression analysis was undertaken and variables with a P-value <0.25 were entered into a multivariable regression model. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors, and a P value <0.05 was considered as the cut-off point to declare a significant association. RESULT: The prevalence of common mental illness was 20.7%. After adjusting for other variables age 15-19 years [AOR=0.51, 95% CI: (0.27, 0.97)], female sex [AOR=1.79, 95% CI: (1.10, 2.39)], grade 9 [AOR=0.41, 95% CI: (0.22, 0.76)], grade 10 [AOR=0.46, 95% CI: (0.23, 0.82)], chew khat currently [AOR=2.46, 95% CI: (1.07, 5.65)], poor social support [AOR=2.34, 95% CI: (1.27, 4.32)] and had medical illness [AOR=3.16, 95% CI: (1.64, 6.09)] were independent predictors of common mental illness. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of common mental illness among high school students in the study area is high. Older age, female sex, higher grade, khat chewing, poor social support and having medical illness were risk factors for common mental illness. Guidance and counseling for high graders and females, strengthening student clubs (anti-drug) and improving communication between students, parents, and teachers were recommended.