European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

PREVALENCE OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG USAGE AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN NIGER DELTA REGION, NIGERIA

*Mgbahurike A. Amaka and Nnanta Chukwudi Vincent

ABSTRACT

The mental health of University students is a growing concern globally, particularly regarding anxiety, depression, and psychotropic drug usage. Nigerian undergraduates face significant academic, social, and economic pressures, which have been linked to rising mental health issues. This study investigated the prevalence and relationships between anxiety, depression, and psychotropic drug usage among undergraduate students at the University of Port Harcourt. Using a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 392 distributed questionnaires, of which 320 were retrieved, and 300 valid responses were analyzed. The sample included students from the Faculties of Engineering, Basic Medical Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, selected for their heightened academic demands. A stratified random sampling technique ensured proportional representation. Data collection was conducted via a structured questionnaire incorporating the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and items on psychotropic drug usage. The results revealed high levels of anxiety and stress (grand mean = 3.45), with prominent issues such as feeling nervous or anxious (Mean = 3.65) and being overwhelmed by academic workload (Mean = 3.62). Depression levels were moderate (grand mean = 3.01), with fatigue or low energy notably high (Mean = 3.45) but low levels of self-harm ideation (Mean = 2.10). Psychotropic drug usage was also moderate (grand mean = 2.61), primarily for situational stress relief. Dependency on these substances was low (Mean = 2.20), reflecting cautious engagement with drugs. Statistical analyses showed a significant correlation between anxiety and depression (r = 0.70), and a moderate correlation between stress and psychotropic drug usage (r = 0.52). Socioeconomic factors such as monthly allowance, employment status, and living arrangements significantly influenced anxiety and depression, explaining 30% and 27% of the variance, respectively. Stress-induced anxiety (β = 0.40) and depression (β = 0.35) were strong predictors of psychotropic drug usage, with the model explaining 45% of the variance. The study findings contribute to the fields of clinical pharmacy and behavioral sciences by emphasizing the critical role of socioeconomic factors and mental health in psychotropic drug usage.

Keywords: Prevalence, Anxiety, depression, psychotropic frug usage, undergraduate students.