Study of Depression Prevalence and Help-Seeking Behaviour Among University Students in Delta State

Depression among university students is associated with academic failure, social withdrawal, and increased suicide risk, and understanding its prevalence and determinants in Nigerian higher educational institutions is essential for designing appropriate mental health support systems. This study assessed the prevalence of depression and help-seeking behaviour among undergraduates at Delta State University, Abraka, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 undergraduate students from five faculties, selected by stratified random sampling. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). A structured questionnaire assessed academic stressors, social support, substance use, prior mental health history, and help-seeking attitudes and behaviours. Results showed a PHQ-9 depression prevalence of 31.3 percent (mild 18.0 percent, moderate 9.3 percent, moderately severe 3.3 percent, severe 0.7 percent). Academic pressure (72.8 percent), financial stress (61.3 percent), and poor social support (48.7 percent) were the most frequently cited correlates. Despite significant depression prevalence, formal mental health help-seeking was reported by only 14.7 percent of affected students. Barriers to help-seeking included stigma (67.0 percent), unawareness of available services (51.1 percent), and confidentiality concerns (43.6 percent). The study recommends establishing a confidential student counselling service, integrating mental health awareness into orientation programmes, and training academic staff to identify and refer students with depression at Delta State University.

Keywords: depression, university students, mental health, help-seeking behaviour, Delta State