Anxiety and Depression among Students with Visual Impairment: In the Case of Shashemene and Sebeta Primary Schools.
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Date
2025-06-01
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
This study assessed levels of anxiety and depression along with the associated factors. coping
mechanisms among students with visual impairments at Shashemene and Sebeta Primary
Schools was among the concern. An institution-based cross-sectional design was employed.
175 students were selected via multistage sampling (purposive setting selection) and
stratified random sampling. Validated instruments measured anxiety (YAM-5), depression
(Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale), perceived social support (SS-A), and coping
mechanisms (CRI-Y adapted). Data were analyzed in SPSS 26 and Stata 14 using descriptive
statistics and binary logistic regression.
Results revealed high prevalence: 39.4% experienced severe anxiety disorders and 36%
severe major depressive disorders. Protective factors against anxiety included older age
(OR: 0.643, p=0.002), supportive school environments (OR: 0.576, p=0.007), family/friend
support, and parental education (OR: 0.434, p=0.011). Higher impairment severity
significantly increased anxiety risk (OR: 1.709, p=0.021). Duration of impairment, parental
income, and employment were non-significant.
For depression, critical determinants were female gender (OR: 6.708, p=0.000), younger
admission age (OR: 2.918, p=0.000), and longer school duration (OR: 3.72, p=0.000).
Students from Sebeta faced five times the depression risk of Shashemene students (OR: 5.106,
p=0.006). Visually impaired students predominantly favored adaptive coping strategies,
especially positive reappraisal and problem-solving.
The findings underscore an urgent need for targeted mental health interventions. Key
strategies include enhancing social support networks, addressing institutional disparities
between schools, and promoting adaptive coping mechanisms. Interventions must be tailored
considering gender, age at admission, duration of stay, and degree of visual impairment to
effectively support this vulnerable population.
Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, copying strategies, risky factors, visual impairment
Description
Keywords
Anxiety, Depression, copying strategies, risky factors, visual impairment