Anxiety and Depression Among Nigerian Undergraduates: a Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Background Globally, there is rising concern regarding the increased prevalence of mental disorders among university students, as studies have demonstrated a significant clinical measure of psychiatric morbidities among undergraduates worldwide. Sadly, there is a paucity of data on the burden of mental illness among undergraduates in Nigeria, and undergraduate students' mental health problems have not received the requisite public attention in Nigeria and many other countries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety disorders and depression among undergraduate students and the correlation between anxiety and depression among study participants. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 877 undergraduates at Bowen University Hospital in Iwo Osun State, Nigeria, between October 2022 and May 2023. Results A total of 14.9%, 10.4%, and 1.9% of students had mild, moderate, and severe anxiety disorders, respectively. Similarly, 11.2%, 5.1%, and 0.5% of students had mild, moderate, and severe depression, respectively. The study showed a strong positive correlation between anxiety disorders and depression among undergraduate students. Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of anxiety and depression. There is a need for concerned authorities to have a blueprint for an efficient mental health support structure and ensure adequate training of personnel at university health centers.