Depression, anxiety, and stress among students in newly established remote university campus in Indonesia

Introduction: Studies show that many university students experience common mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. In severe cases, these problems can cause disability that may hinder youths from achieving their potential academic or career development. This study aims to measure the occurrence and levels of depression, anxiety, and stress and their determinants among undergraduate students of a recently established remote campus in Indonesia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Banyuwangi, East Java from September- December 2017. Exactly 229 students were randomly selected using cluster sampling. Mental health status was measured using Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors related to depression, anxiety, and stress. Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress were 25.0%, 51.1%, and 38.9% respectively among these students. Level of education was associated with depression and stress, but not with anxiety. The fifth semester students had significantly greater odds of depression (AOR = 2.27; 95% CI: 1.04-4.93; p value = 0.04) and stress (AOR =2.18; 95% CI: 1.10-4.37; p value = 0.03) compared to the seventh semester students. No variables were significantly associated with the occurrence of anxiety. Conclusion: Fifth semester students had a greater risk for depression, anxiety, and stress compared to students at a higher level of education. The present study highlights the need for policies in new universities to provide a routine psychological support and counseling for students undergoing semesters that place greater mental burden.