Prevalence and correlates of depression, anxiety, stress and suicidal ideation among allied health students in the College of Medicine, University of Lagos: a cross sectional study

Background Depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation are increasingly recognized as major public health concerns among university students, particularly those in health-related fields. Psychological distress and suicidal ideation are increasingly prevalent, particularly among young adults. These concerns are more pressing in low- and middle-income countries, where mental health resources are limited. This study assessed the prevalence of depression, anxiety, stress and suicidal ideation and their associations with sociodemographic factors among allied health students at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. Methods A cross-sectional, institution-based study was conducted among 200 randomly selected allied health students. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire comprising the Undergraduate Sources of Stress (USOS) tool, the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and an adapted suicidal ideation item from the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Descriptive statistics were used to estimate prevalence, while Pearson’s Chi-square test and correlation analyses assessed associations between variables. Results The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress (mild to extremely severe forms) was 51.5%, 60.5%, and 37.5%, respectively. Suicidal ideation was reported by 28.5% of respondents. Depression, anxiety, and stress were strongly and positively correlated (p < 0.001), while suicidal ideation demonstrated a moderate but significant correlation with depression (r = 0.579, p < 0.001). Off-campus residence was significantly associated with higher depression and anxiety, nursing students reported greater stress, and students uncertain about their sexual orientation were more likely to experience suicidal ideation, while no significant associations were observed for age, gender, or religion. Conclusion The high prevalence of mental health issues among allied health students, particularly anxiety, underscores a critical public health concern. Significant associations with residence, program of study, and sexual orientation point to the necessity for context-specific and inclusive mental health interventions within Nigerian universities to enhance student wellbeing and optimize academic outcomes.