Rates of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Among First-Year University Students from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, During the Year 2020

Abstract

Introduction: Psychological distress is a major health concern
among students, first-year university students in particular.
Depression and anxiety are serious disorders that impair
daily functioning. This study aimed to assess the frequency
of depression, anxiety, and stress among first-year university
students in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted
on 929 first-year students from a public university in Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia. The data were gathered through an anonymous,
self-reported questionnaire sent to all first-year students. The
questionnaire comprised three sections: sociodemographic data,
the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), questions
on suicidality risk, and previous professional consultations for
mental health issues. Data analysis was performed using IBM
SPSS version 23.
Results: The overall prevalence of symptoms of depression,
anxiety, and stress indicators based on the DASS-21 scale was
76%, 69.5%, and 67.4% (n = 929), respectively. The levels of
anxiety and stress were significantly higher in women students.
Moreover, lack of exercise was significantly linked to increased
symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Conclusion: A substantial proportion of first-year university
students from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, experienced symptoms of
stress, anxiety, and depression. Lack of exercise is a predictor of
stress, anxiety, and depression.