DEPARMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

Background: Infertility is a global public health concern affecting approximately one in six people of reproductive age worldwide, with a prevalence of 15.7–22% in Nigeria. Globally, infertility remains a significant reproductive health challenge and is associated with profound
social, psychological, cultural, and economic consequences, particularly among women in developing countries. In many African societies, including Nigeria, infertility is often interpreted through cultural and spiritual lenses, leading to stigma, discrimination, and
delayed utilization of evidence-based medical care. In Benin City, market women operate within deeply traditional cultural frameworks that significantly shape their perceptions of infertility and their health-seeking behaviour. Despite growing access to modern medical treatments, deeply ingrained cultural beliefs, limited knowledge of treatment options, and socio-demographic barriers continue to hinder appropriate care utilization in this demographic. Therefore, understanding their beliefs and knowledge of infertility treatment options is essential for designing culturally sensitive reproductive health interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the cultural beliefs and knowledge of infertility treatment options among market women in Benin City. Specific objectives were to identify cultural beliefs and perceptions of infertility, determine the level of knowledge of infertility
treatment options, examine the relationship between cultural beliefs and knowledge of infertility treatment options, and assess the socio-demographic factors associated with knowledge of infertility treatment options among market women in Benin City. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study design employing a quantitative method of data collection was used. The study was conducted among market women aged 18–65 years
in four selected markets within Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, between January 2025 and May 2026. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 440 respondents. Data were collected using a pre-tested, structured, interviewer- and self-administered questionnaire divided into sections on socio-demographic characteristics, cultural beliefs and perceptions, and knowledge of infertility treatment options. Cultural beliefs, perceptions, and knowledge were scored and categorized using Bloom's cut-off criteria. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 27.0. Descriptive statistics were presented using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact tests, Spearman’s
correlation, binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine associations and predictors. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A total of 440 market women participated (100% response rate), with a mean age of 39.6 (12.5) years. The majority were married (about 11 in 20), predominantly of the Benin ethnic group, predominantly Christian (about 9 in 10), relatively educated, with a majority with at least a secondary education (about 4 in 5). Nearly three-quarters held positive cultural beliefs about infertility, while about two-thirds demonstrated positive perceptions of the condition. However, only about 2 in 5 respondents demonstrated good knowledge of infertility treatment options, with the majority showing poor knowledge. Respondents generally recognized infections, blocked fallopian tubes, hormonal imbalance, male infertility
among others as causes of infertility and were aware of treatment modalities including medications, surgery, and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs). Higher educational attainment (p < 0.001), Igbo ethnicity (p = 0.008), use of social media, health workers,family/friends, and religious centres as health information sources (p < 0.001), and longer years of market experience (p = 0.017) were significantly associated with good knowledge. Respondents with positive cultural beliefs were significantly more likely to have good knowledge compared to those with negative beliefs (p = 0.001), and good perception was strongly associated with good knowledge (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, tertiary education (OR = 19.335), positive cultural beliefs (OR= 2.719), and good perception (OR = 2.912) were significant independent predictors of good knowledge. Conclusion: The study found that although the majority of market women in Benin City hold positive cultural beliefs and perceptions regarding infertility, a substantial proportion still
harbour supernatural misconceptions, and the overall level of knowledge of infertility treatment options remains poor. Education, cultural orientation, and access to diverse health information sources are critical determinants of infertility knowledge. Comprehensive, culturally sensitive reproductive health programs targeting market women, particularly those with lower educational attainment, should be prioritized to improve knowledge, address harmful cultural beliefs, reduce stigma, and promote timely utilization of evidence-based
infertility care.

Background: Cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and early detection through screening significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival. First-degree relatives (FDRs) of cancer patients are at increased risk of developing cancer due to shared genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Despite this increased risk, screening uptake among FDRs remains low. This study assessed the knowledge of early cancer detection and screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of early detection and screening uptake among the first-degree relatives of cancer patients.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 first-degree relatives of cancer patients attending the Radiotherapy/Clinical Oncology Department of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin City. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select participants. Data were collected using a pretested self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests were used for analysis, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.Results: The mean age of respondents was 35.75 ± 13.34 years, and the majority were females 265 (64.6%). Overall, 268 (65.4%) respondents were aware of early cancer detection and screening. Among those aware, television/radio was the major source of information 104 (38.8%). Mammography was the most recognized screening method 144 (53.7%). Most respondents 209 (78.0%) demonstrated good knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. However, only 96 (23.4%) respondents had previously undergone cancer screening. Ethnicity (p = 0.035) and monthly income (p = 0.014) showed statistically significant associations with knowledge of cancer screening and early detection. Major barriers to screening included poor awareness, fear of diagnosis, inadequate physician recommendation, and limited access to screening services.

Conclusion: Although the majority of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of early cancer detection and screening, screening uptake among first-degree relatives of cancer patients was poor. Improved public health education, increased healthcare provider involvement, and enhanced accessibility and affordability of screening services are recommended to improve cancer screening uptake among high-risk populations. Keywords: Cancer screening, early detection, first-degree relatives, knowledge, screening uptake, Benin City,

Background: The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools into higher education has transformed how students access information, complete academic tasks, and engage with learning. While AI offers significant benefits in efficiency and academic support, growing concerns exist regarding excessive student reliance on these tools, with potential implications for critical thinking, cognitive autonomy, and academic integrity. Despite near-universal AI adoption among students globally, empirical data on the nature and extent of AI dependency among Nigerian undergraduates remain limited. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 588 undergraduate students selected from the Ugbowo campus of the University of Benin using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire that assessed AI tool awareness and usage, patterns of AI use, and level of AI dependency using the validated 22-item Artificial Intelligence Dependence Scale (AIdep-22), which measures four domains: functional dependence, cognitive dependence, emotional dependence, and loss of control. Factors associated with AI dependency were also explored. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 29.0; frequencies, proportions, and means were computed for descriptive statistics, while chi-square tests assessed associations between categorical variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.73 ± 4.65 years, with 52.9% being male. Internet access (99.1%) and smartphone ownership (98.6%) were nearly universal. AI tool awareness was reported by 99.3% of respondents, and 98.1% were active users, with ChatGPT being the most recognised (99.0%), most commonly used (83.2%), and most frequently used (83.2%) tool. The primary academic applications were research assistance (72.3%), summarization of materials (69.7%), and writing support (66.7%), with over half reporting daily use. Regarding usage behaviours, 77.9% reported verifying AI outputs relatively more frequently while 58.8% modified AI-generated content before use more frequently, and 15.0% admitted to unethical use including examination malpractice. In terms of dependency, 49.8% of students exhibited low AI dependency, 40.1% moderate dependency, and 10.0% high dependency. Domain-level mean scores were highest for functional dependence (2.86), followed by emotional dependence (2.55), cognitive dependence (2.50), and loss of control (2.27), with an overall AIdep-22 mean of 2.55, corresponding to moderate dependency. Verification behaviour (p = 0.004) and modification of AI outputs (p = 0.05) were significantly associated with dependency level. The key factors associated with AI dependency were heavy academic workload, high performance expectations, ease of AI access, and fear of making errors. Conclusion: AI tools, particularly ChatGPT, have become deeply embedded in undergraduate academic life at the University of Benin, with near-universal awareness and adoption. Most students exhibited moderate AI dependency, with functional dependence being the most prominent domain. Verification behaviour and output modification were significantly associated with dependency level, underscoring the importance of critical engagement with AI-generated content. These findings highlight the urgent need for institutional guidelines, AI literacy programmes, and pedagogical strategies that promote responsible AI use while preserving students' intellectual independence and academic integrity.

Background: Poor mental health among public servants is a growing concern with significant implications for workplace productivity and overall well-being. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and prevalence of mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) among public servants in Benin City, Edo State, to identify key influencing factors, gaps in
awareness, negative perceptions, and the extent of these conditions within the workforce in order to promote early identification and treatment, improve employee well-being, and enhance productivity and job performance among public servants. Objective: This study is aimed to determine the lvel of knowledge of mental health, assess attitudes, prevalence and factors influencing mental health status among public servants in, Benin City, Edo state. Methods: A Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 public servants across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Benin City. Respondents were selected using a multistage sampling technique, and data were collected using a pretested self- administered questionnaire adapted from the Depression, Anxiety, stress scale (DASS), job demand control support model (JDCS), and the Effort reward model (ERI). Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Statical significance was set at p˂0.05, and 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age of respondents was 35 ± 6.9 years. Two hundred and sixty-one (60.0%) of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of mental health, while 265 (57.6%) held a positive attitude towards mental health. The prevalence of depression was 16.7% (n=77), anxiety was 22.8% (n=105), and stress was 9.3% (n=43). Significant predictors of mental health conditions included high workload (AOR=2.202; CI=1.401–3.462; p=0.001) and conflicts with xvi supervisors or coworkers (AOR=0.493; CI=0.313–0.777; p=0.002). Additionally, sex (p < 0.001), average working hours (p < 0.01), and current cadre (p = 0.021) were significantly associated with the level of good knowledge, while current job role( p˂ 0.001), average working hours (p˂0.048) were significantly associate with positive attitude. Conclusion: Although more than half of the public servants possessed good knowledge and a positive attitude toward mental health, the prevalence of conditions like anxiety remains notable. There is a need for targeted workplace interventions to reduce excessive workloads and improve supportive supervision to enhance the mental well-being of the workforce

Background: Sleep is a fundamental physiological process necessary for optimal cognitive function, emotional stability, physical health, and academic performance. Medical students are particularly vulnerable to unhealthy sleep patterns due to demanding academic activities, prolonged study hours, clinical responsibilities, and psychosocial stressors. Poor sleep among medical students has been associated with impaired concentration, daytime dysfunction, reduced academic productivity, and mental health problems. This study assessed the sleep patterns of medical students of the University of Benin and evaluated associated factors, sleep-related behaviours, and awareness of behaviours linked to unhealthy sleep patterns. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 427 undergraduate medical students from 200 to 600 level at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire comprising standardized instruments including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), and Sleep Beliefs Scale (SBS). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Descriptive statistics were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, while Chi-square tests were used to determine associations between variables at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 22.56 ± 3.02 years, and 55.3% were male. The mean sleep duration was 5.5 ± 1.2 hours per night. Overall, 187 (43.8%) respondents had disturbed sleep patterns, while 240 (56.2%) had normal sleep patterns. The most commonly reported sleep disturbances were waking up in the middle of the night or early morning and nocturnal awakening to use the bathroom. Place of residence was significantly associated with sleep patterns (p = 0.043), with on-campus students demonstrating better sleep patterns than off- campus students. Sleep behaviours (p = 0.002) and awareness of sleep-related behaviours (p = 0.007) were also significantly associated with sleep patterns. Although 55.0% of respondents demonstrated good sleep behaviours, only 15.9% had good awareness of behaviours associated with healthy sleep. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of medical students at the University of Benin experienced disturbed sleep patterns and inadequate sleep duration. Poor sleep behaviours and low awareness of healthy sleep practices were significantly associated with disturbed sleep. There is a need for targeted interventions, including sleep hygiene education, mental health support, and institutional policies aimed at promoting healthy sleep practices and improving the well-being of medical students. Keywords: Sleep patterns, medical students, sleep quality, sleep hygiene, awareness, University of Benin.

Background: Respectful maternity care (RMC) is defined by the World Health Organization as care organized and provided to all women in a manner that maintains their dignity, privacy, and confidentiality, ensures freedom from harm and mistreatment, and enables informed choice and continuous support during labour and childbirth. Despite global recognition of its importance, violations of RMC remain widespread in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria, where disrespect and abuse during childbirth have been linked to reduced facility utilization, poor maternal satisfaction, and adverse psychological outcomes. Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths, with a maternal mortality ratio of 512 per 100,000 live births. In Benin City, Edo State, there is limited comprehensive data on postnatal mothers’ experiences, knowledge, and attitudes toward RMC, creating a significant gap in evidence needed to inform policy and clinical interventions. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the extent, determinants, and implications of respectful maternity care experiences among postnatal mothers in Benin City, Edo State. Specific objectives included assessing knowledge and attitudes toward RMC, documenting experiences of respectful and disrespectful maternity care during childbirth, identifying provider- and facility-level determinants of RMC violations, determining predictors of respectful care experiences, and advocating for institutional policy changes promoting RMC. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between April 2025 and April 2026 among postnatal women in Ugbowo community, Egor Local Government Area, Benin City. A sample size of 418 respondents was determined using Cochran’s formula, with a 10% non-response adjustment. A multistage sampling technique was employed: Egor LGA and Ugbowo ward were selected by simple random sampling (balloting), and five communities within the ward served as clusters from which all eligible postnatal women were recruited. Inclusion criteria were women aged 18 years and above who had delivered a live birth within the preceding year and were resident in Edo State. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire comprising six sections covering sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge of RMC, attitudes toward RMC, childbirth experiences, facility- and provider-level factors, and overall satisfaction. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS; univariate analysis described sociodemographic characteristics, chi-square tests assessed bivariate associations, and binary logistic regression identified independent predictors of respectful care experience. Results: The majority of respondents were married women in their late twenties to midthirties with tertiary education, predominantly Christian, and most had attended antenatal care during their last pregnancy. Most delivered in public health facilities and settled bills out of pocket. Formal awareness of RMC as a concept was poor, with only 19.6% of respondents having heard of it; among these, fewer than four in ten demonstrated good overall knowledge, with particular weaknesses in domains relating to supportive care, informed consent, autonomy, and non-discriminatory treatment. Despite low conceptual awareness, the overwhelming majority of respondents held strongly positive attitudes toward the underlying principles of respectful care, with formal education being the only statistically significant predictor of positive attitude. Reported childbirth experiences were broadly positive for dignity, empathetic communication, and non-discriminatory treatment; however, serious violations persisted: more than one in five women reported being shouted at during labour, more than one in ten reported being physically struck, and the near-universal suppression of cultural practices during labour was documented. Perceived provider overwork, overcrowding, and intimidation by birth attendants were identified as facility- and provider level factors compromising care quality, with nurses and midwives disproportionately identified as responsible for mistreatment. In multivariate analysis, positive attitude toward RMC (adjusted OR approximately 3.0) and delivery in a private facility were the only statistically significant independent predictors of a respectful childbirth experience; women who delivered in public facilities had significantly lower odds of respectful care. Conclusion: Formal awareness and comprehensive knowledge of RMC remain critically low among postnatal mothers in Benin City, despite largely positive attitudes toward its principles. Serious violations, including verbal and physical abuse, financial gatekeeping, and suppression of cultural practices, persist alongside generally favourable overall experience ratings, pointing to a system-level underestimation of mistreatment. A significant public- private quality gap was confirmed, with public facility delivery associated with lower odds of respectful care. These findings underscore the urgent need for rights-based maternal health education integrated into routine antenatal care, mandatory RMC training for maternity staff, improved accountability mechanisms within public health facilities, and the development of a national RMC standard with enforceable facility-level indicators. Keywords: Respectful maternity care, postnatal mothers, disrespect and abuse, childbirth experience, Benin City, Nigeria, maternal health.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global public health threat, significantly driven by the irrational use of antibiotics. University students represent a key demographic whose medication-related behaviours influence community resistance patterns. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antibiotic use and resistance among undergraduate students of the University of Benin, Edo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 430 students were selected using a multi-stage probability sampling technique across eight faculties. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, utilizing descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to determine associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The mean age of respondents was 20.3 ± 2.9 years. The study revealed a high prevalence of antibiotic use, with 58.8% of students having used an antibiotic in the preceding six months. Overall, 81.6% of respondents demonstrated poor knowledge of antibiotics and AMR. Misconceptions were widespread: 78.1% incorrectly believed antibiotics are effective against viral infections (flu/coughs), and only 10.0% correctly identified the biological mechanism of resistance. Attitudes were predominantly negative (70.2%); notably, 51.0%perceivedsharingleftover antibiotics as a "helpful social gesture." Regarding practices, 50.7%demonstratedpoorbehaviour. The most common source of antibiotics was Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors xiv (29.3%), while only 18.8% obtained drugs via a doctor’s prescription. Faculty of study (p=0.005)and Level of study (p=0.005) were significantly associated with knowledge levels, with medical students and seniors performing better. Attitude was a significant predictor of practice(p<0.001). Conclusion: There is a concerning deficit in antibiotic literacy and a high prevalence of inappropriate practices among students at the University of Benin. The reliance on unregulated vendors and the social normalization of medication sharing underscore the need for urgent interventions. It is recommended that the University administration integrates antimicrobial stewardship modules into the General Studies (GST) curriculum and strengthens the campus health services to reduce reliance on informal medication sources.

Background: The prevalence of mental health disorders is on the rise, significantly impacting health, social dynamics, and human rights, and causing substantial consequences globally. Among these mental health challenges, depression stands out as a pervasive issue, especially affecting university students. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, prevalence, and influencing factors related to depression among undergraduate students at the University of Benin in South-South Nigeria. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted at the University of Benin, Nigeria, aimed to assess depression among full-time undergraduate students. Utilizing a multi- stage sampling technique, 460 students were selected. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographics, knowledge of depression, prevalence (using PHQ-9), and associated factors. Ethical considerations were addressed, including confidentiality measures. Results will contribute to understanding the prevalence of depression and associated factors among university students. Results: The ages of respondents were between 15-39 years and 269 (58.5%) of respondents were within the age group of 20-24 with the mean age being 23.5. More than half 253(55.0%) of the respondents were females while males constituted 207 (45.0%) of the respondents. Among the respondents, 104 (22.6%) were in 200L, 120 (26.1%) in 300L, 119 (25.6%) in 400L, 78 (17.0%) in 500L and 39 (8.5%) in 600L. Overall knowledge score for depression was good (66%). There was a significant relationship between knowledge of depression and study level (χ 2 =9.533, p=0.048) of the respondents. The prevalence of depression among the respondents was 239 (52%). The risk factors that were 1 significantly related were alcoholism, use of psychoactive drugs, heartbreak, sexual abuse, poor interpersonal relationships with colleagues, financial problems, and death of a loved one, as well as long stay in school, previous personal and family history of depression, and failed examinations. Conclusion: The knowledge of depression among undergraduates is notably high, with a disturbing prevalence, with risk factors ranging from environmental, socioeconomic, medical, psychological, academic, and familial factors.

Background: The growing influence of information technology on various aspects of life including education necessitates the developing countries to use E-learning for better distribution of teaching materials and interaction between students and teachers. In Nigeria, there was a surge in use of E-learning to continue education due to the COVID-19 pandemic. E-learning represents a vital paradigm on higher education unconstrained by time and place, offering new opportunities for the development of the educational processes. Its adoption is vital to bridge the learning gap between developed and developing countries. Objectives: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of undergraduate students in University of Benin towards E-learning. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted for this study. Four hundred and twenty-five students were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Data was obtained using a standardized semi-structured self-administered questionnaire comprising both open ended and close ended questions. Data was analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0 software with statistical significance set at p<0.05 and 95% confidence interval. Results: The mean age was calculated as 23.16 (±3.24) years. Of all the respondents, (62.8%) had good knowledge, while (37.2%) of respondents had poor knowledge. (97.2%) had a positive attitude, while 2.8% had a negative attitude. Challenges such as constant power failure, inadequate internet access, inadequate computer literacy skills and cost of data subscriptions were identified. 98.1% of respondents showed good readiness, while 1.9% showed poor readiness. The most commonly used E-learning tools were search engines, PowerPoint, virtual classrooms and mobile applications. Conclusion: The majority of respondents had good knowledge, positive attitude and good readiness towards E-learning. The major challenges were constant power failure, inadequate internet access, inadequate computer literacy skills and cost of data subscriptions. Keywords: Online, learning, technology Word count: 287

Depression is a significant mental health concern among university students worldwide, with pharmacy students particularly vulnerable due to the demanding nature of their academic programmes. Despite growing evidence of its prevalence in Nigerian universities, institution-specific data from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) remains limited.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among undergraduate pharmacy students at the University of Benin, identify the key determinants of depression within this population, and assess its impact on their academic performance and psychosocial well-being.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 undergraduate pharmacy students across academic levels 200 to 600 at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Participants were selected using a stratified sampling technique with proportional allocation. Data were collected through a self-administered, structured online questionnaire comprising five sections: sociodemographic characteristics, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression screening, determinants of depression, impact of depression, and effects on academic performance. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27.0, with chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests employed to assess associations between variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: The overall prevalence of depression was 20.1%, with 11.7% of respondents experiencing mild depression, 6.1% moderate depression, and 2.3% severe depression. Age (p = 0.043) and level of study (p = 0.015) were significantly associated with depression severity; younger students (15–19 years) and those in lower academic levels (especially 200 level) exhibited the highest rates of depressive symptoms, while final-year (600 level) students had the lowest prevalence. Sex, religion, marital status, residential location, accommodation type, and source of funding did not show statistically significant associations with depression. The principal determinants identified were academic stress (45.3% reported difficulty coping with workload), prolonged academic stay (25.2%), poor accommodation (18.9%), sleep disturbances (16.6%), financial difficulties (40.7%), and traumatic experiences including examination failure (30.3% of those with trauma) and heartbreak (24.4%). Among the 105 students (24.5%) with active depressive symptoms, 60.0% found it harder to concentrate, 50.5% reported impaired academic performance, 32.4% missed classes or examinations, and 27.6% had failed courses due to poor mental health. Notably, nearly half (45.7%) of symptomatic students reported suicidal ideation, yet only 26.7% had sought any form of help.
Conclusion: Depression affects approximately one in five pharmacy students at the University of Benin, with younger students and those in early academic years at greatest risk. Academic stress, financial difficulties, and traumatic life events are the predominant determinants, while the condition substantially impairs concentration, attendance, and academic outcomes. The alarmingly low rate of help-seeking despite high suicidal ideation underscores an urgent need for targeted mental health screening, accessible counselling services, and institutional policies that address academic stressors and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care.