Factors Associated with Mental Health Distress Among Undergraduate Nursing Students at the University of Nairobi, Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nursing students face an increased susceptibility to mental health distress. Despite growing evidence
of mental distress among university students globally, limited data exist on undergraduate nursing students in Kenya,
particularly regarding mental health distress and their help-seeking behaviours. Our objective was to investigate the
prevalence of mental distress, identify associated risk factors, and assess help-seeking behaviours among nursing students
specifically enrolled at the University of Nairobi.
Method: We employed a cross-sectional descriptive design with 203 undergraduate nursing students. The data collection
instrument was the WHO’s Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20), administered via a Google Form.
Results: Most (57.63%) of the respondents were female. The majority were aged 18-22 years, and most lived on
campus. About 29.56% of the respondents reported potential mental distress. The most frequently reported symptoms
were daily academic work-related stress (61.08%), nervousness (49.75%), and difficulty paying attention (34.48%).
Family history of mental illness and drug use were significantly associated with mental distress among the nursing
students. Students in the third year of study reported lower levels of mental distress.
A significant majority either did not seek help for mental distress (16.3%) or did not disclose their help-seeking practices
(42.9%), highlighting potential barriers to mental health service utilisation. Only 13.3% specifically sought help from the
university students’ clinic.
Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence of potential mental distress associated with a family history of mental
illness and drug use, while advancement in academic years, especially the third year, appeared protective. The findings
highlight the need for improved mental health support and awareness among student nurses. There is need to review
the curriculum for workload distribution across the years of study and strengthen health systems to support mental health
services within and without the university