Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Anxiety and depressive disorders are leading causes of morbidity and disability worldwide, with a marked increase since the COVID-19 pandemic. In sub-Saharan Africa, these issues are amplified by unfavorable socio-economic conditions, limited access to mental health services, and strong stigma surrounding psychological disorders. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), studies on mental health in the university setting remain limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders and identify associated factors among residents of the "Plateau des Professeurs" of the University of Kinshasa. Methods A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the “Plateau des Professeurs” estate of the University of Kinshasa, DRC, from December 2025 to January 2026. An exhaustive sampling method was used, including all eligible households. Anxiety and depressive disorders were measured using the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (HSCL-25), with a threshold of ≥ 1.75 defining a probable case. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with anxio-depressive disorders. Results A total of 201 residents were included. The mean age was over 65 years for 49.3% of participants, and 74.1% were male. The prevalence of anxiety was 29.4% (95% CI: 23.4–36.1), depression 15.9% (95% CI: 11.5–21.7), and concomitant anxio-depressive disorders 19.9% (95% CI: 14.9–26.0). In multivariate analysis, administrative staff had a significantly higher risk of anxio-depressive disorders (adjusted OR 6.79, 95% CI: 2.29–20.15; p = 0.001) compared with academic staff, as did scientific staff (adjusted OR 5.13, 95% CI: 1.92–13.73; p = 0.001). Lack of supervisor support was also independently associated with anxio-depressive disorders (adjusted OR 2.81, 95% CI: 1.17–6.74; p = 0.021). Conclusions Nearly one in five residents of the University of Kinshasa Professors' Estate met criteria for probable anxio-depressive disorder. Administrative and scientific staff were disproportionately affected, and lack of supervisor support tripled the risk. These findings support the implementation of targeted mental health interventions and leadership training programs within the university setting in the DRC.