The prevalence of mental distress and social support among university students in UAE: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to establish the level of mental distress in university students in the UAE. Methods: A crosssectional study with a self-administered structured questionnaire (SRQ-20) was carried out from December 12, 2023 to February 4,
2024. The sample comprised 163 university students, of which 85 were males and 78 were females. Self-reported COVID-19
infection history was as follows: 32.7% of the participants said they had been infected with COVID-19.
Results: The study discover that 65 per cent of the respondents had a positive attitude towards the programmed. Mental distress
was found in 7% of university students with SRQ-20 scores of 8 and above. The mean of the mental distress was 9. 8 (SD: [insert
SD]). The results revealed that high distress level was significantly related to female gender, students in non-medical colleges, final
academic years, chronic diseases, and low income (p<0. 05).
Conclusions: The level of mental stress among university students in the UAE is high. To address this burden and improve mental
health policies and services for students, governmental strategies that aim at increasing social support and mental health services in
universities are needed.