Assessment of the prevalence of depression and the use of antidepressants in a study population

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that there is an increasing burden of depression and other mental health conditions globally. WHO global health estimate for depression reports a prevalence of 5.4% in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pharmacological therapy still remains the most popular treatment for diagnosed depression. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of clinically diagnosed depression and outcomes of antidepressants among final year undergraduate students in a Federal University. A descriptive cross- sectional study was carried out at University of Benin, Benin City. A validated questionnaire was distributed to the 319 final year clinical students of the College of Medicine, School of Dentistry and Faculty of Pharmacy. Data obtained were organized and analysed with Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics was done; frequencies and percentages were used to summarize variables of interest. Ethical considerations were observed. All the questionnaires used were valid for analysis. About 90.0% of the respondents were knowledgeable about depression. Symptoms of depression were reported in 20.0% of the respondents with 16.6% having moderate symptoms of depression and 3.4% having moderately severe symptoms of depression. The same 20.0% used antidepressants and 14.7% did not adhere to their regimen. Side effects were experienced by majority of respondents (16.3%) on antidepressants. There was a low prevalence of depression in the study population. Adherence to drug therapy was poor. Side effects to treatment were reported by majority of students receiving antidepressants. Majority of patients claim to be better now that they are using antidepressant treatment as the symptoms of the disease are resolving.

Evaluation of knowledge, prevalence and effects of opioid abuse among undergraduate students in a public university

In Nigeria currently, opioids are the second most widely used substances among young individuals after cannabis. A review of several literatures reported the prevalence of drug abuse, especially tramadol and codeine, among Nigerian students as 20% - 40%. The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, prevalence, factors and effects associated with opioid abuse among final year undergraduate students. A cross- sectional study was carried out at a public University. A validated questionnaire was self-administered to 395 respondents. Data obtained were organized and analysed with Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics was done; frequencies and proportions were used to summarize variables of interest. Chi square test was done for association between variables and opioid abuse. Ethical considerations were observed. A response rate of 98.48% was obtained from the respondents. A total of 101 (26%) respondents used opioids. The most popular opioids abused among the respondents are codeine and tramadol (60 and 63 respondents respectively). A total of 5 respondents used heroin, 3 use pentazocine while only 1 respondent uses oxycodone and morphine. It was observed that majority of the users were males (76%). Peer pressure was the major factor, effects of opioid abuse observed were drowsiness, absence from lectures, examinations and altered daily activities (eating, sleeping and mood). The study revealed a good knowledge of opioid drugs and a high prevalence of opioid abuse among final year students. Tramadol and codeine were the most abused opioids among the respondents. Major effects of opioid abuse were alteration in daily functions and absence from academic activities.