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

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. (C) 2013 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.