SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS' RELATIONSHIP WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS OF UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS OF PAKISTAN
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship of socio-demographic variables (gender, peer group size) with psychological distress in undergraduate university students in Pakistan.
STUDY DESIGN
Cross-sectional study
PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY
The study was conducted at two public and private universities in Karachi, Pakistan from June to Aug 2022.
METHOD
A total of 300 students aged 19 to 25 years completed a demographic form and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10).
RESULTS
Females reported significantly higher psychological distress than males. Students with three or more friends demonstrated lower distress compared with those reporting no friends.
CONCLUSION
Gender and peer network size were significant predictors of distress, with males and students having larger peer groups reporting lower psychological distress.
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References
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