Mental health problems among secondary school students 10-24 years in Kilimanjaro region, Northern Tanzania.

The overall prevalence of mental health problems among secondary school students aged 10-24 years in Kilimanjaro region was 29.2%.

• Total sample size was 4955 study participants
• Prevalence in survey 1 (2019) was 27.4%
• Prevalence in survey 2 (2022) was 32.6%
• The median age of participants was 15 (IQR: 14, 17)

Students aged 20-24 years had higher odds of mental health problems compared to those aged 10-14 years.

• Age comparison was performed using multivariable logistic regression with odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals
• 64% of participants were aged 15-19 years
• Age group 10-14 years served as the reference category
• Mental health problems were also noted as common among final year students

Female students had higher odds of mental health problems compared to male students.

• 53.9% of the 4955 participants were female
• Sex was identified as a significant factor in multivariable logistic regression analysis
• Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated to determine this association
• Female sex was listed among the overall factors associated with higher odds of mental health problems

Current substance use was associated with higher odds of mental health problems among secondary school students.

• The variable was defined as 'currently using any substances'
• Association was determined through multivariable logistic regression
• Substance use was among several behavioral and experiential factors examined
• Chi-square tests were also used to compare mental health problem proportions by participant characteristics

A history of being bullied was associated with higher odds of mental health problems.

• The variable was defined as 'ever been bullied'
• Bullying was identified as a significant factor in multivariable logistic regression
• Other violence-related factors associated with mental health problems included ever being physically attacked
• Both bullying and physical attack were assessed as independent predictors alongside other covariates

A history of sexual activity and ever missing classes were each associated with higher odds of mental health problems.

• Variables were defined as 'ever had sex' and 'ever missed classes'
• Both factors were identified through multivariable logistic regression analysis
• These associations were reported alongside demographic and behavioral factors
• Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated for each factor

The study utilized secondary data from two repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2019 and 2022 in Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania.

• Participants were secondary school students aged 10-24 years
• 65% of participants were from survey 1 (2019) and 35% from survey 2 (2022)
• Total sample comprised 4955 study participants
• A chi-square test was used to compare proportions, and multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals