Dating Stress, Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
Date
2020Author
Talbert, Muhwez
Maud, Kamatenesi-Mugisha
Herbert, E Ainamani
Metadata
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Introduction: Worldwide, dating related stress and its impact on mental health among students has turned out to be of public health concern. However, research on this
phenomenon in low- and middle-income countries (LAMIC) remains lacking. This study described the occurrence of dating-related stress and its association with
psychological state aspects of depression and anxiety among students in a Ugandan University.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study using convenient sampling, 255 students from Bishop Stuart University were interviewed on their exposure to dating stress using
psychological victimization scale (PVS), depression using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and anxiety using Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7). Data were
analyzed using Stata version 12.1 and correlations and associations were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results: The prevalence rate of dating-related stress was at 88%. Specifically, students who had ever experienced dating related stress were more than five times likely
to suffer from depression compared to those who have never experienced dating related stress (OR=5.9; 95% CI=1.9, 13.3, P ≤ 0.001). Students who had ever
experienced dating related stress were more than four times likely to suffer anxiety than those who have never experienced dating related stress (OR= 4.2; 95% CI=1.6,
11.1; P=0.004).
Conclusion: There is high dating related stress which subsequently impacts the psychological wellbeing of students in Universities. We recommend that dating related
stress be given due attention and corrective action from institution officials and counselors to provide appropriate positive coping mechanisms like psycho-education and
stress prevention programs.