Depression, stress and anxiety among undergraduate students in war zones
1
Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
the ongoing war in sudan has resulted in large displacement, insecurity, and disruption of essential services, significantly affecting population health. university students represent a major group exposed to academic instability, , and psychosocial stressors during war. however, data on the mental health status of undergraduate students living in war affected regions remain limited. this study aimed to assess the stress, depression, and anxiety among khartoum university undergraduate students residing in conflict zones and to identify factors associated with psychological distress.
METHODS:
a cross sectional study was conducted among 443 undergraduate students using cluster and stratified sampling techniques. data was collected for one month using a validated self administered questionnaire assessing stress, depression, and anxiety. additional variables included gender, faculty, physical health status, time management, and availability of support systems. data analysis was performed using spss software. regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of overall psychological distress, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
high levels of psychological distress were observed among participants, with female students demonstrating significantly higher median anxiety and stress scores of 12.5 and 14 compared to males p < 0.001. distress levels varied across faculties, with students from the faculty of forests and animal breeding reporting the highest levels of depression and anxiety. poor physical health, inadequate time management, and limited support systems were significantly associated with increased distress. regression analysis identified gender p = 0.001 and time management p = 0.022 as significant independent predictors of overall psychological distress.
CONCLUSIONS:
undergraduate students living in conflict zones experience stress, anxiety, and depression. these findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions, including counselling services, peer support programs, and community based psychosocial initiatives. further longitudinal research is recommended to explore the long term mental health impact of armed conflict on university students.
the ongoing war in sudan has resulted in large displacement, insecurity, and disruption of essential services, significantly affecting population health. university students represent a major group exposed to academic instability, , and psychosocial stressors during war. however, data on the mental health status of undergraduate students living in war affected regions remain limited. this study aimed to assess the stress, depression, and anxiety among khartoum university undergraduate students residing in conflict zones and to identify factors associated with psychological distress.
METHODS:
a cross sectional study was conducted among 443 undergraduate students using cluster and stratified sampling techniques. data was collected for one month using a validated self administered questionnaire assessing stress, depression, and anxiety. additional variables included gender, faculty, physical health status, time management, and availability of support systems. data analysis was performed using spss software. regression analysis was applied to identify predictors of overall psychological distress, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:
high levels of psychological distress were observed among participants, with female students demonstrating significantly higher median anxiety and stress scores of 12.5 and 14 compared to males p < 0.001. distress levels varied across faculties, with students from the faculty of forests and animal breeding reporting the highest levels of depression and anxiety. poor physical health, inadequate time management, and limited support systems were significantly associated with increased distress. regression analysis identified gender p = 0.001 and time management p = 0.022 as significant independent predictors of overall psychological distress.
CONCLUSIONS:
undergraduate students living in conflict zones experience stress, anxiety, and depression. these findings highlight the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions, including counselling services, peer support programs, and community based psychosocial initiatives. further longitudinal research is recommended to explore the long term mental health impact of armed conflict on university students.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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