Addictive use of smartphone, depression and anxiety among female undergraduates in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study

Effects of socio-demographical characteristics of high school students on smartphone addiction and depression

This study was conducted to determine the smartphone addiction and severity of depressive symptoms of high school students. In this descriptive cross-sectional and correlational study, the sample consisted of 1744 high school students. In the study, data were collected using a Descriptive Questionnaire, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form, and the Depression Scale for Children. Data were analyzed in independent groups Student's t test, One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and a multiple regression model. It was determined that the students' mean smartphone addiction score was affected by gender, grade level, school success, having problems with the family, relationship with family, relationship with friends, and social self-evaluation. The mean depression score was affected by family type, economic status, social self-evaluation. According to the multiple regression analysis, effects of socio-demographic variables on smartphone addiction were 25%. It was concluded that the socio-demographic characteristics of high school students have an effect on smartphone addiction and depression.

Prevalence of depression and anxiety, and attitudes toward seeking help among first-year pharmacy, medical, and nursing students at a Nigerian university

INTRODUCTION

The first year of university study tends to be particularly challenging and exhausting, especially for students in health sciences. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of anxiety and depression among first-year pharmacy, medicine, and nursing students at a Nigerian university as well as their attitudes toward seeking professional support.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey among all first-year pharmacy, medicine, and nursing students. Paper-based self-administered questionnaires were used, and they included the Patient Health Questionnaire, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and Pearson correlation were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 522 students (89% response rate). The prevalence of depression among participants was 71.8%, while the prevalence of anxiety was 61.7%. Only 24.9% of the participants expressed willingness to seek professional psychological help. Attitudes toward getting professional care was inversely related to the prevalence of depression (r = -0.155, P = .01) and anxiety (r = -0.098, P = .05). Age, smoking, alcohol intake, and dietary habits were associated with the occurrence of depression and anxiety. No demographic variables were related to the participants' attitudes toward seeking professional care.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression and anxiety symptoms were very common among health science freshmen. However, the vast majority of students were unwilling to seek help. Students' attitudes toward seeking treatment are influenced by the prevalence of depression and anxiety. Therefore, educational interventions on mental health promotion are recommended.