Table 4 A Bivariate and multi-variable Logistic Regression analysis table that shows the associations between mental distress and it’s socio-demographic and substance-related factors among Wollo university regular undergraduate students, Dessie, Ethiopia, 2019 (n = 548)

Age in years

Below mean (< 21)

50

155

Reference

Reference

Above mean (≥ 21)

56

287

0.6 (0.39, 0.93)

0.52 (0.32, 0.85)

M89 Department of choice

Preferred

72

351

Reference

Reference

Not preferred

34

91

0.55 (0.34, 0.88)

0.7 (0.35, 1.42)

CGPA

≥ 3.1

69

244

Reference

Reference

≤ 3.00

37

198

0.66 (0.42, 1.03)

0.62 (0.38, 1.01)

Having close friends

Yes

79

362

Reference

Reference

No

27

80

1.5 (0.94,2.55)

1.54 (0.88, 2.71)

Frequency of attending a place of worship

Daily

45

200

Reference

Reference

2-3 times/week

17

127

0.59 (0.33, 1.08)

0.47 (0.24, 0.89)

Once a week

16

54

1.32 (0.69, 2.51)

0.87 (0.43, 1.79)

Less than a week

11

48

1.02 (0.49, 2.12)

0.69 (0.31, 1.54)

Never

17

13

5.8 (2.63, 12.82)

4.2 (1.73, 10.39)**

Family hx of MI

Yes

22

48

2.2 (1.22, 3.75)

2.1 (1.12, 3.95)*

No

84

394

Reference

Reference

Current cigarette smoking

Yes

32

30

5.9 (3.41, 10.36)

3.2 (1.69, 6.20)***

No

74

412

Reference

Reference

Current alcohol use

Yes

48

92

3.0 (1.94, 4.74)

2.5 (1.49, 4.25)***

No

59

350

Reference

Reference

Current cannabis use

Yes

13

9

6.7 (2.79, 16.19)

3.4 (1.18, 9.57)*

No

93

433

Reference

Reference