Prevalence and Effects of Undiagnosed Depression on Academic and Social Outcomes among University Students in Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Depression is prevalent among adolescents and young adults in many countries including Nigeria. Among university students, this medical condition might have an impact on their wellbeing, academic performance and relationships in the community. This study aims to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed depression and its influence on academic performance and interpersonal relationship among university students of south western Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among health sciences students of universities in south western Nigeria using a self-administered questionnaire. The Patient Health Questionnaire -9 (PHQ-9) was used to make a diagnosis of depression while the social reward questionnaire-adolescent version (SRQ-A) was used to assess the participants’ interpersonal relationship. Bivariate analysis and multiple regression were conducted to assess the related factors of depression. Results: The prevalence rate of depression among the students studied was 78.3%. There was a significant negative (inverse) relationship (r=-0.274, p<0.001) observed between depression and academic performance, implying that as depression levels increased, students’ perception of their academic performance declined and vice versa. Social relationship sub-construct (negative social Potency) also had a significant inverse relationship (r=-0.180, p<0.001) with academic performance. The students’ course of study (p =0.014) and academic performance (p<0.001) associated significantly with depression. Conclusion: The students who studied medicine and surgery as course of study were mostly depressed when compared to other heath related disciplines. Depressed students have poor perception of their academic performance and vice versa.