Anxiety and Depression Among Health Science Undergraduates in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Health science programs are known for their rigorous academic demands, placing students in stressful environments that may affect their mental health. This study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of anxiety and depression among health science undergraduates in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, from September to November 2023. This cross-sectional study surveyed 383 students from various health science disciplines in tertiary institutions across Ebonyi State, using self-reported measures to evaluate mental health outcomes. Results revealed alarmingly high rates of anxiety and depression. More than half (52.5%) of participants experienced moderate to severe anxiety, while 86.1% reported depression symptoms, with 47.5% experiencing moderate and 37.3% experiencing moderate-to-severe depression. Female students and those aged 20 years or younger were found to be particularly vulnerable to anxiety. Additionally, physiotherapy students reported higher levels of anxiety compared to those in other health science departments. No significant correlation was found between the department and the severity of depression. These findings highlight the critical mental health challenges faced by health science students in Nigeria and underscore the need for targeted mental health interventions, the establishment of robust support systems, and further research to explore the contributing factors.