Optometry Students' Mental Health at a University in South Africa: Investigating the Links Between Anxiety, Depression, and Key Variables.

Introduction: Anxiety and depression in optometry students are becoming acknowledged as critical concerns, especially given the rigorous demands of their academic curricula. This study aimed to identify the severity of anxiety and depression and their association with socio-demographic, academic, and clinical variables among optometry students in South Africa. Methods: This study was a descriptive, quantitative, and cross-sectional study involving 171 optometry undergraduate students at a university in South Africa. Data was gathered using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and a questionnaire encompassing socio-demographic, student, and clinical variables. Students who agreed to participate and provided written consent were recruited to participate in this study. The association between socio-demographic, student, and clinical variables with total GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores was determined using the Mann-Whitney Results: More than half of the participants were female (n=63; 63.2%), identified as belonging to Conclusion: Addressing the high levels of anxiety and depression among optometry students necessitates a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the augmentation of mental health resources, fostering resilience, and creating supportive environments. By implementing these strategies, educational institutions can enhance the mental health and well-being of optometry students, ultimately leading to improved academic outcomes and professional readiness.