Prevalence and Factors Associated With Depression and Suicidal Ideation During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among University Students in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.842466
• Publication Date: 2022-04-14T07:53:32Z
• Authors: Mark Mohan Kaggwa; Innocent Arinaitwe; Elicana Nduhuura; Moses Muwanguzi; Jonathan Kajjimu; Moses Kule; Noble Ajuna; Ivan Machacha; Rahel Nkola; Sarah Maria Najjuka; Nicholas Kisaakye...; Felix Bongomin; Mark D. Griffiths; Godfrey Zari Rukundo; Mohammed A. Mamun
• Keywords: Depression; Patient Health Questionnaire; Cross-sectional study

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted psychosocial well-being and mental health of students across the world. Although are vulnerable to depression suicidal ideation, few studies have been conducted in Uganda. This study aimed determine prevalence associated factors among undergraduate university Uganda.A cross-sectional was undergraduates [N = 540; 363 males; mean age 23.3 (± 2.64) years] recruited from four universities using an online questionnaire that explored sociodemographic factors, depression, other factors. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) used assess Item 9 ideation past 2 weeks. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed with ideation.The moderate severe 20% (n 108) (cut-off: 10/27 based on PHQ-9), past-2-week 13.89% 75) 1/3 PHQ-9 9). About half individuals who screened positive for had ideation. Factors were: having relationship issues [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-2.81, p 0.012], a history sexual abuse (aOR 2.06, CI 1.10-3.84, 0.023). reducing risk satisfaction current academic performance 0.50, 0.32-0.79, 0.003), being fifth year 0.16, 0.03-0.73, 0.018). smoking cigarettes and/or marijuana 4.83, 1.10-21.12, 0.037), financial tuition constraints 1.85, 1.08-3.16, 0.024), However, reduced likelihood 0.40, 0.23-0.70, 0.001).Approximately one-fifth moderately severely depressed, especially those abuse. Suicidal common smokers constraints. Therefore, it is recommended authorities implement measures provide psychological support problems concerning constraints, relationships, Also, all should be suicidality.