The Prevalence of Depression among Tertiary Students in Ghana
Depression among tertiary students is a growing concern worldwide, significantly impacting their academic performance and overall well-being. In Ghana, limited research exists on the prevalence and predictors of depression in university settings, warranting further investigation.This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression among tertiary students in Ghana and examine the association between depression and demographic variables such as age, gender, program of study, academic level, and various institutions. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 150 university students using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) to measure depressive symptoms. Descriptive statistics summarized the prevalence of depression, while chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses explored associations and predictors.The results showed the prevalence of depression among students was 68%, with higher rates observed among males (74.4%), students in Applied Sciences (83.3%), and those attending UCC (83.3%), and level 100 students (82.4%). However, chi-square tests showed no statistically significant associations between depression and demographic variables. Logistic regression indicated that none of the predictors had a significant influence on depression status. Despite a good model fit suggested by the Hosmer and Lemeshow test, the predictors did not improve the model's predictive power.This study highlights the high prevalence of depression among tertiary students in Ghana and underscores the need for targeted interventions. Awareness campaigns and counseling programs should be prioritized to address mental health challenges. Future research should explore additional factors, such as academic and financial stress, to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.