Evaluation of anxiety, stress, and depression: perspectives from a university study conducted in Herat, Afghanistan

Background: Mental health issues like anxiety, stress, and depression are increasingly common among university students globally, especially in conflict-affected areas like Afghanistan. This study focuses on these mental health challenges among students at Jami University in Herat, a city affected by prolonged conflict and economic instability. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 Jami University students from March to August 2023. Data were gathered via a self-administered questionnaire incorporating the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-42 (DASS-42) and additional demographic and lifestyle factors. A stratified random sampling approach was used to ensure a representative sample. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression identified key mental health correlates. Results: Significant levels of anxiety, depression, and stress were reported. For anxiety, 36.1% of students were in the normal range, while 8.5% had mild, 22.7% moderate, 16.7% severe, and 16.1% extremely severe levels. Depression levels were similar, with 42.4% normal, 16.7% mild, 22.1% moderate, 10.6% severe, and 8.2% extremely severe. Regarding stress, 46.1% were normal, 13.3% mild, 23.6% moderate, 13.3% severe, and 3.6% extremely severe. Conclusion: This study highlights the urgent need for mental health support for university students in Afghanistan. Addressing lifestyle factors, providing mental health services, and reducing stigma around mental illness are essential to improving students’ well-being and academic performance.