PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG YOUTH IN SELECTED COLLEGES OF MEKELLE, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA, 2025

Abstract

Background: Psychological distress is a major public health concern among young people worldwide. Youth are particularly affected by various academic, social, and environmental stressors that contribute to psychological distress. Understanding its prevalence and contributing factors is essential for designing effective prevention and intervention strategies, particularly in post-conflict settings such as Tigray. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of psychological distress and its associated factors among youth in selected colleges in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia, 2025. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to November 2025 among 728 youths selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Psychological distress was measured using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). The data was entered into EpiData and analyzed using SPSS version 27. and variables with a P value < 0.25 in Bivariable ordinal regression analysis were taken to multivariable ordinal regression and the statistical significance was declared at a P-value of < 0.05 with a 95% CI. Result: A total of 728 youths participated in the study with a 100% response rate. The prevalence of psychological distress was highly prevalent: 20.3% had low or no distress, 12.8% mild distress, 11.4% moderate distress, and 55.5% severe distress. Overall, 66.9% (95% CI: 63.5%–70.3%) experienced moderate to severe psychological distress. Poor social support (AOR = 4.92; 95% CI: 2.39–10.13), moderate social support (AOR = 5.23; 95% CI: 2.47–11.11), Lower GPA of 2.0– 2.49 (AOR = 4.24; 95% CI: 2.08–8.65) and cannabis non-use (AOR = 49; 95% CI: 8.82–272.87) were significantly associated with higher psychological distress levels. Conversely. being in earlier academic years (2nd year: AOR = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.16–0.93), having lower monthly pocket money (<1000 ETB: AOR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.10–0.57), and minimal academic workload stress (AOR = 0.12; 95% CI: 0.03–0.52) , social media non-use (AOR = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.36–0.93) and having low (AOR = 0.02; 95% CI: 0.01–0.03) or moderate (AOR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.10–0.25) levels of social media addiction were associated with lower odds of higher psychological distress. Conclusion and Recommendation: Psychological distress among college youth in Mekelle was alarmingly high. Pocket money, Academic performance, Academic stress, Social support, Cannabis use, Social media use and addiction level were key determinants. These findings call the need for integrated mental health interventions within college settings.