Adolescent Depressive Disorders Orient Journal of Medicine Vol 33 [1-2] Jan-June, 2021 |
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE Depressive Disorders Among In-School Adolescents: How Prevalent in Anambra State, Nigeria? |
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Ahoma V MBANUZURU1 Richard UWAKWE2 Prosper OU ADOGU1 Chinomnso C NNEBUE1 Ifeoma B UDIGWE1 Chinyere M MBANUZURU3 1Department of Community Medicine 2Department of Mental Health Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi Anambra State, NIGERIA 3Department of Animal Production Ministry of Agriculture Awka Anambra State, NIGERIA Author for Correspondence Dr Ahoma V MBANUZURU Department of Community Medicine Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi Anambra State, NIGERIA Phone: +234 806 327 9078 Email: mvahoma@gmail.com av.mbanuzuru@unizik.edu.ng Received: July 31st, 2020 Accepted: October 16th, 2020 DISCLOSURE All the authors declare no conflict of interest, finance or otherwise. |
ABSTRACT Background: Depressive disorders are the leading causes of ill-health and disability globally. Depression among adolescents is usually associated with a range of adverse later outcomes which include suicidality, and general poor physical and mental health. Objective: To determine and compare the prevalence of depressive disorders among in-school adolescents in urban and rural areas of Anambra State. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytical study of urban and rural in-school adolescents in Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of 1187 secondary school adolescents in government-owned schools in Anambra State was selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was the study instrument. Results: The mean age of the participants was 15±2 years. The overall prevalence of depression was 12.5%. The proportion of urban participants identified with depression was significantly higher than that of their rural counterparts (14.5% versus 9.6%). Multiple regression showed that increased odds of developing depression are associated with urban setting (p = 0.001), female gender (p=0.018), and late adolescence (p=0.025). Conclusion: This study showed that depressive disorders are prevalent among in-school adolescents in Anambra State, with some of the associated factors being urban setting, female gender and late adolescence. There is need for multi-sectoral intervention programs to address these identified factors. Key Words: In-school adolescents, Depressive disorders, Nigeria, Urban-rural, Patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) |