Psychological distress among college students in Kerala, India-Prevalence and correlates.

Aims: To study the prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among college students in Kerala, India.

Material And Methods: 5784 students across 58 colleges were self-administered Kessler's Psychological Distress Scale (K10) and other standardized instruments.

Results: The prevalence of psychological distress was 34.8% (Mild-17.3%; Moderate-9.2%; Severe-8.3%) with a female predominance. Students with psychological distress were more likely to report academic failures, substance use, suicidality, sexual abuse and symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Students with severe distress had higher morbidity.

Conclusions: Psychological distress is common among college students and its association with negative correlates suggests the need for early interventions.