Prevalence and Coping Strategies for Depression Among in-School Adolescents in Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria

Document Type : qualitative and quantitative studies

Authors

1 University Of Mohaghegh Ardabil

2 Department of Counsellor Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria

3 Dept of Counsellor Education, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Adolescent depression is a widespread problem that receives little or no attention. The study looked at depression frequency and coping mechanisms among adolescents enrolled in school in Ilorin city, Kwara state. 400 teenagers were randomly selected from the group. The "Prevalence and Coping Strategies for Depression among In-School Adolescents Questionnaire" was used to gather information from the respondents (PCSDIAQ). The study questions were addressed in percentages, and the hypotheses were examined using the t-test and ANOVA statistical methods at a significance level of 0.05. The study's findings showed that more than 30% of in-school adolescents experience fatigue (59.0%), a preference for solitude (50.3%), a lack of interest in or enjoyment from activities (48.8%), and anger (more than 30%) for a few hours each day move so slowly that others might have seen it (39.5%). It was also found that 42.3% of respondents always play games to distract themselves from problems. In comparison, 44.5% of respondents avoided talking to people about their feelings for a short period of time, criticized themselves (28.8%), isolated themselves (24.5%), avoid social situations until they feel better about themselves (15.8%), constantly blame others (19.0%), and ignore problems (10.0%). According to the study, there were no appreciable differences in the frequency of depression among adolescents enrolled in school in the city of Ilorin depending on age, gender, or marital status. Gender and marital status had no significant impact on the coping mechanisms used by in-school adolescents to deal with their depression, while age had a substantial impact.

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