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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 8/2006

01-08-2006 | ORIGINAL PAPER

Depression amongst Nigerian university students

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates

Authors: Dr. Abiodun O. Adewuya, MBChB, Bola A. Ola, MBChB, Olutayo O. Aloba, MBChB, Boladale M. Mapayi, MBChB, Olaleye O. Oginni, MBChB

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 8/2006

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Abstract

Background

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and examine the socio-demographic correlates of depressive disorder among university students in Western Nigeria.

Methods

A representative sample of students living in the halls of residence of a federal university (n = 1,206) completed sets of questionnaires on socio-demographic details, problems encountered in the university, alcohol use and smoking. Depressive disorder was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).

Results

A total of 101 (8.3%) students met the criteria for depressive disorder with 68 (5.6%) having minor depressive disorder and 33 (2.7%) having major depressive disorder. The factors that were significantly associated with depressive disorders in the students include problems with accommodation (OR 2.72, 95% CI 1.79–4.16), very large family size (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.42–5.73), female gender (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.46–3.35), heavy cigarette smoking (OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.23–6.05) and high level of alcohol consumption (OR 9.44, 95% CI 3.32–26.89).

Conclusions

Depression is common among Nigerian university students and significantly associated with sociodemographic factors. An effective model for the prediction of the development of depression in university students need to be developed and evaluated and interventions aimed at reducing the incidence of depression among this population need further research.
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Metadata
Title
Depression amongst Nigerian university students
Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates
Authors
Dr. Abiodun O. Adewuya, MBChB
Bola A. Ola, MBChB
Olutayo O. Aloba, MBChB
Boladale M. Mapayi, MBChB
Olaleye O. Oginni, MBChB
Publication date
01-08-2006
Publisher
Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 8/2006
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-006-0068-9

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