RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Mental distress is a common finding among University students. Empirical research has confirmed that the University student population has a higher prevalence of mental disorder than the general population. However, no previous study has examined the mental health conditions of students in Somaliland. METHODS: An institution based cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 570 undergraduate students at the University of Hargeisa in October, 2013. Study subjects were selected using a stratified random sampling. The Self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to assess mental distress. Multiple logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors independently associated with mental distress. RESULTS: The point prevalence of mental distress was found to be 19.8%. Mental distress was associated with being female (AOR = 3.52, 95% CI 1.94, 6.39), having a monthly income of 100 United States dollars (USD) or less (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI 1.12, 4.28), and not having a satisfying relationship with the family (AOR = 11.52, 95% CI 3.18, 41.72) and friends (AOR = 7.33, 95% CI 2.83, 18.93). Nearly one in five students (18.6%) has been using Khat in the previous 12 months. Khat use was also associated with greater likelihood of mental distress (AOR = 2.87, 95% CI 1.26, 6.56). In addition, financial difficulties and the poor prospect of finding a job were common sources of stress among the students. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of the students at the University of Hargeisa suffer from mental distress which might have a detrimental effect on their academic performance. The mental health needs of the University students require attention with special emphasis on female students, students experiencing financial hardships, students who use Khat and those who have interpersonal problems.
RESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge concerning HIV transmission and the attitudes towards AIDS among a rural semi-nomadic community in Somaliland. Cross-sectional survey. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted via a household survey in Sharmake, a village in the Hargeisa district, Somaliland. 141 adults living within 7 km of the village center were asked to complete the survey. Questions about HIV transmission as well as attitudes towards those afflicted were included. The majority of respondents (91 %) had heard of AIDS. Most respondents demonstrated a low to moderate understanding of HIV transmission. Less than half of the respondents (n = 61; 43.6 %) were able to identify 4 means of transmission correctly out of 6 possibilities. Degree of knowledge was unrelated to age or gender. There was a significant positive correlation between an accepting attitude of HIV and knowledge concerning HIV transmission. Stigma against HIV was found among the participants. More than half (58 %) of respondents expressed a desire to be tested, most of whom were deemed to have a high level of knowledge. Knowledge is a significant factor in the prevention of HIV infection. Therefore, information about AIDS and its prevention needs to be disseminated among the rural population immediately. Radio campaigns should focus on increasing public knowledge concerning HIV transmission and reducing stigma against HIV. It is also vital that HIV tests be made available to the remote population.
