Depression And Anxiety Of University Students In Lesotho

This study investigated the mental health status of students at the National University of Lesotho. Specifically to evaluate mental health status of students, that is whether they experiencing anxiety and depression and whether such students are using mental health services available to them. A sample of117respondents was purposively chosen from various departments at the university. The respondents completed a self administered questionnaire, anxiety was measured using the Zung Self Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and depression was measured using the Zung Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS), additional items were used to measure demographic data and help seeking in students. The results showed that university students are indeed experiencing both anxiety and depression, most respondents reported normal to mild levels of both with a fewer proportion mentioning moderate, marked and severe levels. Females were found to be more depressed than their male counterparts, however no significant relationship was found between age, year of study and field of study and either depression or anxiety. Despite major awareness of mental health services available to them students were not using these services.