Depression and associated factors among university students in western Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the associations between depression, sociodemographic, social and health variables among undergraduate students of Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with undergraduate students that were recruited randomly from classes. The sample included 820 university students (54.3% men and 45.7% women), with a mean age of 22.3 years (SD=3.1). Results indicate a prevalence of 7.0% severe depression and 25.2% moderate to severe depression. In multivariate logistic regression lack of social support, having screened positive for PTSD and having a moderate to severe sleeping problem were associated with depression. Considerable rates of depression were found. Several risk factors including comorbidity (PTSD and sleeping problems) and lack of social support were identified which can be utilized in guiding interventions.