DEPRESSION

This study explores how youths in the Ekosodin community and students at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) feel about "indecent dressing." It looks at the factors that influence students' clothing choices, especially styles considered indecent. The research also examines how students believe society reacts to their dressing and how it impacts their social interactions, academics, and personal identity. To gather information, surveys were conducted with UNIBEN students and Ekosodin residents, and the responses were analyzed to identify trends. The study found that social media, fashion trends, and peer pressure play a big role in shaping how students dress. A student's choice of clothing also affects their social interactions and their sense of belonging in the community. Additionally, students who dress "indecently" are more likely to face bullying or harassment. However, fashion is also a way for students to express themselves, and their dressing style can influence how they see themselves. Overall, the study revealed that students’ opinions on "indecent dressing" are strongly influenced by their peers and the broader community. This shows that dressing is not just a personal choice but also a social issue. The research concludes that there should be a balance between personal fashion freedom and respecting cultural norms. It highlights how students must navigate self-expression, societal expectations, and peer influence when making clothing choices.

Background: The prevalence of mental health disorders is on the rise, significantly impacting health, social dynamics, and human rights, and causing substantial consequences globally. Among these mental health challenges, depression stands out as a pervasive issue, especially affecting university students. Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, prevalence, and influencing factors related to depression among undergraduate students at the University of Benin in South-South Nigeria. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted at the University of Benin, Nigeria, aimed to assess depression among full-time undergraduate students. Utilizing a multi- stage sampling technique, 460 students were selected. Data collection involved a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographics, knowledge of depression, prevalence (using PHQ-9), and associated factors. Ethical considerations were addressed, including confidentiality measures. Results will contribute to understanding the prevalence of depression and associated factors among university students. Results: The ages of respondents were between 15-39 years and 269 (58.5%) of respondents were within the age group of 20-24 with the mean age being 23.5. More than half 253(55.0%) of the respondents were females while males constituted 207 (45.0%) of the respondents. Among the respondents, 104 (22.6%) were in 200L, 120 (26.1%) in 300L, 119 (25.6%) in 400L, 78 (17.0%) in 500L and 39 (8.5%) in 600L. Overall knowledge score for depression was good (66%). There was a significant relationship between knowledge of depression and study level (χ 2 =9.533, p=0.048) of the respondents. The prevalence of depression among the respondents was 239 (52%). The risk factors that were 1 significantly related were alcoholism, use of psychoactive drugs, heartbreak, sexual abuse, poor interpersonal relationships with colleagues, financial problems, and death of a loved one, as well as long stay in school, previous personal and family history of depression, and failed examinations. Conclusion: The knowledge of depression among undergraduates is notably high, with a disturbing prevalence, with risk factors ranging from environmental, socioeconomic, medical, psychological, academic, and familial factors.

A descriptive survey of 230 University of Benin undergraduates explored social media's impact on mental health. Findings revealed a dual effect: while social media was a source of happiness for many, a majority also reported feeling depressed from its use. Students widely agreed that prolonged use negatively impacts sleep and concentration and that females are more vulnerable to cyberbullying. The study recommends university-led awareness programs and support systems to help students manage these negative effect

The Impact of Social Media on the Mental Health of Undergraduates at the University of Benin. This study investigates how social media usage affects the mental health of undergraduate students at the University of Benin. The research was conducted within the university community and focused on determining the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and concentration. The main objectives were to examine the effects of social media usage patterns on students’ mental health and to identify possible interventions to mitigate negative outcomes. The study was guided by two key research questions: 1.What is the relationship between social media usage and mental health indicators (anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and concentration)? 2. How does passive browsing affect students’ psychological well-being? A descriptive survey design was employed. Data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a sample size of 150 undergraduate students. The instruments used included standardized scales such as the GAD-7 for anxiety, PHQ-9 for depression, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and custom questions on concentration. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis through SPSS. The key findings revealed that excessive social media use was significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, lower self-esteem,and poor concentration. Students who engaged in passive browsing reported more psychological distress than those who used social media actively and moderately. In conclusion, while social media offers certain academic and social benefits, its excessive and passive use negatively impacts the mental health of students. There is a need for awareness and counseling interventions targeted at digital well-being. It is recommended that: 1. University management should integrate mental health awareness and digital literacy into orientation and counseling programs. 2. Students should be encouraged to set healthy boundaries for social media use to enhance their academic and psychological well-be

This study investigates the impact of depression on adolescents and explores the role of school social workers in addressing this mental health issue in secondary schools within Egor Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Nigeria. Depression among adolescents has become a growing concern due to its adverse effects on academic performance, behavior, and social relationships. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of depression among adolescents, identify its major causes, and examine the availability and effectiveness of school social workers in managing students' mental health challenges. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire which included the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to assess depression levels. A total of 370 students from selected secondary schools in Egor LGA participated in the study. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, and the Chi-square statistical tool to test for significant differences. Findings revealed that 63.5% ofrespondents experienced symptoms of depression ranging from mild to severe. The leading causes of depression included academic pressure, family conflicts, social isolation, and financial difficulties. Female students were found to exhibit higher levels of depressive symptoms compared to male students. Furthermore, the study found that the presence of school social workers was limited, and their role in managing adolescent depression was underutilized due to staffing shortages and lack of awareness. The study concludes that depression significantly affects adolescents in secondary schools, and that there is a pressing need to strengthen mental health support systems, particularly by increasing the presence and functionality of school social workers

Depression among teenage mothers has emerged as a significant public health concern globally. This study investigates the Prevalence and Associated factors of Depression among Teenage Mothers in Benin Metropolis of Edo State Nigeria. The study adopted Multi stage sampling technique while primary data collection was used to obtain data from the respondents. Data gathered was subjected to Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient which was used to establish the study feasibility. 500 female participants aged between 13 to 19 years were purposely selected with a structured questionnaire. Ambiguity in the instruments
was eliminated. The data collected was analyzed and presented in percentages and tables. Results revealed that there is high degree of depression among teenage mothers in Benin metropolis and identifies lack of social support, stigma, and economic dependence as predictors of depression, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address the mental health needs of teenage mothers in Benin metropolis. The study recommends that to address depression among teenage mothers, accessible and affordable mental health services, including counseling and therapy, should be provided within existing healthcare facilities. Routine screening for depression during antenatal and postnatal care can help identify those in need of further support. Peer support groups, education on family planning and parenting, and social support networks can empower teenage mothers and enhance their self-esteem. Childcare support and community-based initiatives can also promote socialization and reduce isolation. Ultimately, policy reforms are necessary to address the unique needs of teenage mothers and ensure they have access to education, healthcare, and social services. Keywords: depression, teenage mothers, social support, post-natal, interventions, child care, support group.