Psychological Assessment of Postgraduate Students in One of the Academic Institutions of Alexandria University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Several researches indicated an increase in the frequency of depression, anxiety and stress in postgraduate students, stressing the need to improve their mental resilience and the academic climate. Objective(s); This study aimed to determine the frequency of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms as well as some of their correlates among postgraduate students in the High Institute of Public Health (HIPH). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the HIPH targeting postgraduate students over three consecutive academic years. The sample constituted 35% of the enrolled students (n=155) and were subjected to psychological testing using the Arabic Version of Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS). In addition, a pre-designed structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, personal, and academic data, as well as stressful life events. Results: Severe to extremely severe symptoms among students were highest for stress (26.4%), followed by anxiety (20.7%) and least for depression (18%). Results of logistic regression analysis revealed that being a female, an Egyptian citizen or having a study decision imposed by others were significant predictors of depression symptoms (Model X 2= 15.690, p= 0.001). Practicing less than two hobbies or being a caregiver were significant predictors of anxiety (Model X2= 12.541, p= 0.002), while, the presence of life stressors in past 6 months was the only predictor for stress symptoms (Model X2= 9.546, p= 0.002). Conclusion: Observable levels of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were recorded among postgraduate students in the HIPH. Providing supportive and counseling services deemed essential to achieve sustained sound mental health for the students.

Keywords

• anxiety
• dass
• depression egypt
• postgraduate students
• psychological profile
• stress