WATER SCARCITY AND ITS EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN PRINCE ABUBAKAR AUDU UNIVERSITY, ANYIGBA
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between water scarcity and its effects on the mental
health of undergraduate students in Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba. The study
was guided by five objectives, including assessing the prevalence, causes, effects, coping
strategies, and the relationship between water scarcity and mental health. The study made
use of a descriptive survey design, as data were collected from 372 respondents through a
structured questionnaire. Findings revealed that over 85% of students affirmed the existence
of persistent water scarcity, with on-campus and off-campus residents reporting different
degrees of impact. The main natural cause identified was irregular rainfall, while poor
infrastructure and overuse were the most cited human-induced causes. The effects of water
scarcity were pronounced, as 54% of students experienced frequent stress with anxiety and
48.9% reported that it negatively affected their academic concentration. Coping strategies
employed included talking to friends (37.1%), engaging in relaxation activities (25.8%) and
physical exercise (26.3%). However, only 15.6% of students sought professional counseling.
A Pearson correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between water
scarcity and mental health challenges (r = 0.612, p < 0.05), leading to the rejection of the
null hypothesis. The study concluded that water scarcity is an important determinant of
students’ mental well-being. It was recommended that improved infrastructural management,
student support services and awareness programs on mental health coping strategies should
be made available by the relevant authorities
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