Factors influencing mental health outcomes among university students: a cross-sectional study in Bangladesh

Introduction Mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression, are on the rise among university students globally, including in Bangladesh. However, comprehensive data on the factors influencing mental health outcomes in this group remain limited, hindering the development of effective programmes and interventions. Objectives This study aims to assess the mental health status of university students in Bangladesh and examine the key factors influencing mental health outcomes. Design A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Bangladesh from December 2022 to March 2023. Setting Universities in Bangladesh. Participants University students aged 18 and older. Outcome measures Data were collected through a structured survey that assessed depression and anxiety using the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, as well as dietary diversity through the Individual Dietary Diversity Score. Results The results showed that while female students exhibited greater dietary diversity, they also had higher obesity rates, whereas male students reported more physical activity. Mental health assessments revealed that 36.1% of participants experienced mild anxiety, 11.5% severe anxiety, 39.8% mild depression and 8.3% severe depression. Binary logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors of anxiety and depression, including gender, personal income, body mass index and screen time. Females were less likely to experience anxiety (crude odds ratios (COR): 0.531, p =0.034) and depression (COR: 0.591, p =0.023) compared with males. Furthermore, low intake of wheat, rice (COR: 2.123, p=0.050) and pulses (COR: 1.519, p=0.050), as well as high consumption of fats, oils (COR: 2.231, p=0.024) and sugary foods (COR: 2.277, p=0.001), were associated with anxiety, while inadequate intake of vitamin A- and C-rich fruits (COR: 1.435, p =0.018) was linked to depression. Overweight students were found to be more susceptible to depression. Conclusion The findings of the study emphasise the necessity for targeted interventions that promote healthier lifestyles to enhance mental health outcomes among university students in Bangladesh.