Prevalence and Associated Factors of Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Among Grade 9–10 Students in a Government School, Ward 10, Kathmandu. Nepal

Abstract

Background: Mental health is one of the most important aspects of human life. Mental disorders like sadness, worry, and tension are the leading causes of disability and low quality of life in young people. In Nepal, adolescents in 9^th and 10^th grades face heavier school demands, which can eventually lead to mental health issues. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, depression, stress, and their associated factors among the students of classes 9 and 10 of the government school of ward number 10, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 330 students of Grades 9 and 10 using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire, including standard tools Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale—Youth Version (DASS-Y) and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The survey participants showcased a significant degree of emotional suffering. The occurrence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 40%, 48.8%, and 29.7%, respectively. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (DAS) symptoms were seen mainly in the female students and Class 9 students. Low self-esteem was strongly related to stress, while academic pressure and dissatisfaction with grades were major contributing factors for DAS.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the research indicates that the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were highly prevalent among the students of grades 9 and 10. The significant predictors of emotional distress were low self-esteem, educational pressure, female gender, and transitional academic challenges.