The relationship between Stressful Life Events and Anxiety Symptoms: A cross-sectional survey of with university students in Botswana

Abstract

Background: Anxiety disorders, particularly in young adults, have a severe influence on the quality of life, career growth, and health. There is a dearth of research on causes and correlates, particularly in areas with limited resources. At a premier higher education institution in Botswana, we set out to determine how stressful life events (SLEs) predict anxiety symptoms in young adults. Method: In a cross-sectional survey (n = 615, mean age = 21.1, ± 2.1, 59.3% female), the 21-item Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the 26-Item Social Readjustment Rating Scale were used to assess anxiety symptoms and SLEs, respectively. T-tests, analyses of variance (ANOVA) and regression analyses were used to calculate associations, compare SLEs at different levels of anxiety symptoms, and assess whether SLEs predicted anxiety. Results: Anxiety symptoms were moderate in 16.4% and severe in 11.7% of respondents. Over 50 per cent of respondents reported eight (8) or more SLEs. Higher numbers of SLEs were associated with a gradual increase in anxiety symptoms severity. Respondents at different levels of anxiety differed significantly in reporting SLEs (F _{(3, 612)} = 68.21, p < .001). SLEs significantly predicted reporting anxiety symptoms (β = .56, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.66). When all SLEs were simultaneously included in one model, SLEs related to personal, study and relationship stressors independently predicted anxiety symptoms. Conclusion: Anxiety in young individuals is highly correlated with reporting SLEs. Practitioners should prioritise initiatives that promote mental health through effective low-cost self-help interventions for easing anxiety symptoms in young adults.