INCIDENCE AND PERCEPTION OF DEPRESSION AMONG NURSING UNDERGRADUATES IN TERTIARTY INSTITUTION BENIN CITY, EDO STATE.

Depression is a significant public health concern among university students, particularly those in health-related fields such as nursing, due to academic workload, psychosocial stressors, and limited coping mechanisms. This study assessed the incidence, perception, and risk factors associated with depression among nursing undergraduates in the Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing Science, University Of Benin, Benin City, Edo State. A descriptive non-experimental survey design was adopted. Convenient sampling was used to select 272 nursing undergraduates from 200 to 500 level. A structured questionnaire was administered, of which 266 were properly completed and valid for analysis, yielding a response rate of 97.8%. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were employed to examine relationships between incidence and perception of depression. Findings revealed that 24% of the respondents experienced a high incidence rate of depression, while the overall mean score indicated generally low depression levels. Perception of depression was predominantly positive, with 83% of students demonstrating favourable attitudes toward mental health. Furthermore, 85% of respondents identified multiple risk factors for depression, including academic workload, financial stress, poor social support, sleep deprivation, and lack of recreational activities. The chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant relationship between incidence and perception of depression (χ² = 6.785, df = 1, p = 0.078). The study concluded that although the overall incidence of depression among nursing undergraduates was relatively low compared to previous studies, significant risk factors remain present. The positive perception of depression suggests growing awareness and reduced stigma within the population. The study recommends periodic mental health screening for nursing students, integration of stress management programs into the nursing curriculum, establishment of peer-support systems, and improved access to counselling services within the university to strengthen early detection and intervention.