Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among in-school adolescents in a rural district in southwest Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among in-school adolescents in a rural district in southwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey involving 1713 adolescents from four private and three public secondary schools were selected using a stratified cluster sampling technique. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9, with a maximum score of 27, was used to assess the presence (score ≥ 5) and severity (score ≥ 15) of the symptoms of depression. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the correlates. The prevalence was 21.2%; 5.1% of the respondents had moderately severe to severe depression. Significant predictors included "not living with parents" (OR = 1.69; 95%CI, 1.14-2.38), not participating in sports (OR = 1.45; 95%CI; 1.11-1.92), a large number of siblings (OR = 1.69; 95%CI; 1.11-2.63), and a change in place of residence (OR = 1.46; 95%CI, 1.13-1.88). A need exists to plan and implement health education measures to reduce the burden of the disease.

Keywords: Depression symptoms; Patient health questionnaire; Southwest Nigeria.