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Public Awareness and Attitude Towards Depression: A Community Based Study Among an Adult Population in Ile-Ife South-Western Nigeria

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Abstract

Depression has become a global health priority due to its associated burden. However, there is dearth of information regarding the public awareness and attitude towards depression in Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the level of public awareness and attitude towards depression in a semi-urban Nigerian community. A cross-sectional study conducted among 240 respondents with mean age of 34.7 years (± 1.2 years). A questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics, level of awareness and attitude of people towards depression. While most respondents (72.5%) had heard about depression, it was less recognized as a major mental health problem. Also, most respondents (58.6%) had negative attitudes toward depression. There is low level of awareness of depression as a major health problem among community dwellers in South-western Nigeria and negative attitudes towards the illness also appear prevalent. Therefore, awareness should be improved through public health enlightenment programmes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mental Health, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

    Adesanmi Akinsulore, Boladale M. Mapayi & Olutayo O. Aloba

  2. Department of Community Health, College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

    Olapeju A. Esimai

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  1. Adesanmi Akinsulore
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  2. Olapeju A. Esimai
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  3. Boladale M. Mapayi
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  4. Olutayo O. Aloba
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Correspondence to Adesanmi Akinsulore.

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Akinsulore, A., Esimai, O.A., Mapayi, B.M. et al. Public Awareness and Attitude Towards Depression: A Community Based Study Among an Adult Population in Ile-Ife South-Western Nigeria. Community Ment Health J 54, 866–874 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0222-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-017-0222-8

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