Psychosocial Factors Associated with Depression among Secondary School Students in Ile- Ife, Nigeria
Godknows Chiamaka Osarhiaekhimen *
Department of Primary Care, Tertiary Education Trust Fund Staff Clinic, Maitama, FCT, Nigeria.
Abieyuwa Tari-ere Oshodin
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria.
Oluwadamilola Tolulope Owati
Department of Intensive Care Unit, Marigold Hospital and Critical Care Center, Surulere, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Anushka Holkar
Department of Internal Medicine, St. Martinus University, Willemstad, Curaçao.
Mithra Sindhu Madhu
Department of Internal Medicine, St. Martinus University, Willemstad, Curaçao.
Chijioke Chizoba Egwu
Department of Pediatrics, Salcare Home Health Services, California, USA.
Aamna Arshad Baig
Department of Psychiatry, St. Martinus University, Willemstad, Curaçao.
Yetunde Precious Akinpelu
Department of Psychiatry, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Enoobong Effiong Essien
Department of Public Health, University of Wolverhampton, England, UK.
Arinze Praisejah Nweke
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Chukwudi Jeffrey Ekweozor
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Juliet Ugochi Umerah
Department of Chemical Pathology, Federal Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
Tolulope Christopher Awe
Department of Pathology, University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria.
Godswill Chekwube Asogwa
Department of Clinical Medicine, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background of the Study: The relationship between psychosocial factors is fundamental to understanding the rising prevalence of depressive symptoms among secondary school students globally. In sub-Saharan Africa, where adolescents navigate socioeconomic instability and restrictive cultural norms surrounding gender and emotional expression, studies examining the combined effects of psychosocial factors on adverse mental-health outcomes remain limited.
Aim: This study assessed psychosocial factors associated with depression among secondary school students in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Method: This study utilised a cross-sectional research design and was conducted in Ile-Ife using a multistage sampling technique. A sample size of 401 was obtained using the Cochran formula. A list of schools was obtained from the Local Education Authority, and eight secondary schools were selected in Ile-Ife. Male and female students aged 14-19 years were selected from SS1 and SS2 using simple random sampling. Three research instruments were combined to produce the questionnaire for the study. Data were collected using a facilitated self-administered technique and analysed using univariate analysis (frequency tables and charts) and bivariate analysis (chi-square test), with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: The study found that about one-quarter of respondents had depressive symptoms: 18.0% were moderately depressed, 5.7% had moderately severe depression, and 0.5% had severe depression. The study also found that 166 respondents (41.4%) had experienced high early life adversity, 43 respondents (10.7%) were gender nonconforming in childhood, and 73 respondents (18.2%) were sexual minorities. Early life adversity was significantly associated with depressive symptoms (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Secondary school-aged adolescents are a vulnerable population with specific mental health needs related to childhood experiences and gender-identification issues.
Public health and social policies for the prevention of child abuse should be strengthened at the federal and state levels.
Keywords: Psychosocial factors, depression, secondary school students, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, early life adversity, childhood gender nonconformity, sexual orientation