Depression among university students in Kenya: Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates
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Date
2014-05-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier B.V
Abstract
Background: Depression is a common cause of morbidity but prevalence levels among Kenyan university
students are poorly understood. A better understanding of depression and its correlates is essential in
planning for appropriate interventions in this population group.
Method: A random sample of 923 University of Nairobi students (525 male and 365 female) were
interviewed using a questionnaire to record sociodemographic variables. Depressive symptoms were
measured using Centre for Epidemiological Studies Short Depression Scale (CES – D 10).
Results: The mean age was 23 (s.d. 4.0). Using a cut-off point of 10, the overall prevalence of moderate
depressive symptoms was 35.7% (33.5% males and 39.0% females) and severe depression was 5.6% (5.3%
males and 5.1% female). Depressive illness was significantly more common among the first year students,
those who were married; those who were economically disadvantaged and those living off campus.
Other variables significantly related to higher depression levels included year of study, academic
performance, religion and college attended. Logistic regression showed that those students who used
tobacco, engaged in binge drinking and those who had an older age were more likely to be depressed. No
difference was noted with respect to gender.
Limitations: This was a cross sectional study relying on self report of symptoms and could therefore be
inaccurate. Although the study was conducted in the largest university in the country that admits
students from diverse backgrounds in the country there could still be regional differences in other local
universities.
Conclusion: Depression occurs in a significant number of students. Appropriate interventions should be
set up in higher institutions of learning to detect and treat these disorders paying particular attention to
those at risk
Description
Keywords
Students, Depression, Risk factors