An observational assessment of the mental health status among students residing in women hostel in a district of Western India

Abstract

Aim: Assessment of mental health status and associated factors among students residing in women hostel. Method: A survey that was descriptive and cross-sectional was conducted over the course of one year among students who were living in hostels for female students. From a list that was submitted by the girl's hostel organization, three hostels were selected using a random selection procedure known as the lottery. One hundred students participated in the research project. Results: The average age of respondents was 21.27±3.47 years, practically all were Hindu (91%), and most were pursuing bachelor's degrees, with 14% preparing for their studies. 70% of respondents had a monthly family income of over Rs 30,000 and 70% were from nuclear families and 30% from joint families. The mean depression DASS score was 10.40±7.73, with 47% falling within normal range. The mean anxiety score was 13.57±8.42, with just 24% falling within the normal range. Similarly, the mean stress score was 13.77±8.52, with 44% falling under the normal severity scale categorization of DASS. Conclusion: Our findings revealed an alarming level of depression, anxiety, and stress among female dormitory students.