Psychological Distress and Its Associated Factors Among School-Going Adolescents in Tanzania

Abstract

© 2020, National Academy of Psychology (NAOP) India. The aim of this investigation was to estimate the prevalence of psychological distress and associated factors among in-school adolescents in Tanzania. Cross-sectional data from the 2014 “Global School-based Health Survey” included 3765 students (mean age 14.0 years, SD = 1.7 years) that were representative of all middle school students (grade 6–7 students in primary schools and form 1–3 students in secondary schools) in Tanzania in 2014. The prevalence of single psychological distress was 20.6% and multiple psychological distress 10.3%. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analysis, the experience of hunger, current tobacco use, bullying victimization and ever had sex was positively associated with single and/or multiple psychological distress. Peer support, school attendance and fruit consumption were protective from single and/or multiple psychological distress. A high prevalence and several factors associated with psychological distress were identified which can help in guiding preventive strategies.