Depression among university students in Kenya: Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates
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 Un...
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th-mahidol.342122018-11-09T10:15:26Z Depression among university students in Kenya: Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates Caleb J. Othieno Roselyne O. Okoth Karl Peltzer Supa Pengpid Lucas O. Malla University of Nairobi Mahidol University Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa University of Limpopo Wellcome Trust Research Laboratories Nairobi Medicine Psychology 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. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. 2018-11-09T02:34:44Z 2018-11-09T02:34:44Z 2014-08-20 Article Journal of Affective Disorders. Vol.165, (2014), 120-125 10.1016/j.jad.2014.04.070 15732517 01650327 2-s2.0-84900837383 https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/34212 Mahidol University SCOPUS https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?partnerID=HzOxMe3b&scp=84900837383&origin=inward |
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Medicine Psychology Caleb J. Othieno Roselyne O. Okoth Karl Peltzer Supa Pengpid Lucas O. Malla Depression among university students in Kenya: Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates |
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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. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. |
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University of Nairobi |
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University of Nairobi Caleb J. Othieno Roselyne O. Okoth Karl Peltzer Supa Pengpid Lucas O. Malla |
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Article |
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Caleb J. Othieno Roselyne O. Okoth Karl Peltzer Supa Pengpid Lucas O. Malla |
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Caleb J. Othieno |
title |
Depression among university students in Kenya: Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates |
title_short |
Depression among university students in Kenya: Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates |
title_full |
Depression among university students in Kenya: Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates |
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Depression among university students in Kenya: Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates |
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Depression among university students in Kenya: Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates |
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depression among university students in kenya: prevalence and sociodemographic correlates |
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2018 |
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https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/34212 |
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1763488047922413568 |