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International Journal of Public Health and Clinical Sciences (IJPHCS)
Open Access e-journal ISSN : 2289-7577

ARE FRESH UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY FREE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS: A PROPOSED STUDY OF DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, STRESS AND THEIR COPING MECHANISMS.

Hassan Mohammed, Hayati KS, Salmiah MS

Abstract


ABSTRACT

Background: Depression, stress and anxiety are the most reported and studied form of mental illnesses. The burden of these psychological disorders seems to be on the increase among adolescents and young adults in Malaysia.  Mental illness may or may not exhibit signs or symptoms at early stages of onset. Apart from the conspicuous nature of symptoms, the lack of awareness regarding the illness and lack of coping mechanisms worsen the problem.

Materials and Method: A cross sectional study design will be used to determine the prevalence of depression, stress and anxiety and its associated factors among 675 participants selected faculties that offer undergraduate programs in Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The Depression, Stress and Anxiety (DASS-21) scale will be used to determine the prevalence of psychological problems (depression, stress and anxiety), the Brief COPE Inventory will be used to assess coping strategy; and the revised Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) will be used to determine attachment of the undergraduates to their father, mother and peers.

Independent sample t-test and  multivariate analysis with MANCOVA will be used to compare linear combination of the dependent variables (depression, stress and anxiety) with the independent categorical variables while controlling for covariates (Brief COPE and IPPA scores) which reduces error terms. Chi-square analyses for determining the association between variables, logistic regression model will be applied to indicate factors that significantly contribute towards stress, anxiety and depression. A multiple linear regression to analyse and “obtain independent effect” of independent variables on the dependent variables.

Conclusion:The findings in this study would help in determining the prevalence of psychological problems (depression, stress and anxiety) among undergraduate students. Through early detection of symptoms, respondents would be able to seek assistance which would help prevent and minimize the exert effect of mental, emotional and physical

Keywords: Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Coping Mechanism.

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