PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG NURSES IN UBTH WORKERS
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ABSTRACT
This study investigated the prevalence of depression among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) using a quantitative survey research design. Data were collected from 120 nurses selected from various departments within the hospital through a structured questionnaire. The completed questionnaires were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 27. The study sought to determine the prevalence of depression among nurses, identify factors associated with the condition, examine the coping strategies adopted by nurses, and assess the influence of organisational support on the management of depression in the workplace. A t-test was employed to examine the study hypotheses relating to the prevalence of depression, associated factors, coping mechanisms, and organisational support. The findings revealed that depression was a significant concern among nurses at UBTH. Factors identified as contributing to depressive symptoms included excessive workload, stressful working conditions, and personal life challenges. The study also identified social support, regular physical exercise, and professional counselling as coping approaches that could help nurses manage depression. Furthermore, the findings emphasised the importance of organisational support and the availability of appropriate resources in preventing and addressing mental health challenges among healthcare professionals. The study concluded that depression constitutes a notable mental health concern among nurses at UBTH and requires comprehensive interventions involving individual coping practices and institutional support systems. It therefore recommended the introduction of mental health awareness programmes, the provision of accessible counselling services, and the establishment of supportive working environments that promote staff welfare. It also recommended continuous monitoring and evaluation of mental health interventions to determine their effectiveness and ensure their sustainability in improving the psychological well-being of nurses within healthcare institutions.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Depression is a widespread mental health disorder that affects individuals across different parts of the world, including healthcare professionals such as nurses (Aloufi et al., 2021). Nurses occupy important positions within healthcare delivery systems as frontline providers of patient care. However, the nature of their professional responsibilities exposes them to several occupational pressures and challenging working conditions that may increase their vulnerability to depressive symptoms (Demi et al., 2022). Understanding the occurrence of depression among nurses in particular healthcare institutions, such as the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), is therefore important for developing appropriate interventions and establishing effective support systems.
Previous research has drawn attention to the burden of depression and other psychological challenges among healthcare professionals, particularly individuals undergoing nursing education and training. For instance, Aloufi et al. (2021) conducted a systematic review examining interventions for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression among undergraduate nursing students. Their work highlighted the psychological difficulties that nursing students may encounter during their academic and clinical training. Similarly, Demi et al. (2022) investigated factors associated with depression among nursing students using path analysis, providing further understanding of the variables that may contribute to depressive symptoms within this population.
The University of Benin Teaching Hospital is an important tertiary healthcare institution where nurses perform essential functions in patient management and healthcare delivery. Research by Tung et al. (2018), which examined the prevalence of depression among nursing students, demonstrates the importance of recognising and addressing mental health challenges within nursing education and healthcare training environments. Such findings are relevant to institutions like UBTH, where nursing students and professional healthcare workers may encounter demanding academic, clinical, and occupational responsibilities that can affect their psychological well-being.
Beyond academic and professional demands, employment-related circumstances have also been identified as possible predictors of mental health difficulties among nursing students. Moxham et al. (2018) identified employment status as a factor associated with psychological well-being in this population. This suggests that the mental health of nurses should be examined within a broader context that considers educational experiences, employment conditions, and socioeconomic circumstances. These factors may influence psychological well-being during nursing education and throughout professional practice in healthcare institutions such as UBTH.
The use of standardised assessment instruments is important when examining mental health conditions because it supports systematic data collection and the measurement of psychological symptoms. Instruments such as the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) have been applied in research to assess psychological distress and anxiety across different population groups (Goldberg & Williams, 2020; Öner & Le Compte, 2019). Such instruments may provide useful quantitative information when investigating psychological difficulties among nurses at UBTH. However, the selection of an assessment instrument should correspond with the specific mental health condition being investigated to ensure that the resulting measurements are appropriate for the study.
Furthermore, the consequences of depression among healthcare professionals are not limited to their personal health and emotional well-being. Mental health difficulties among healthcare workers may also influence their professional performance, interactions with patients, and the overall quality and safety of healthcare services. Akdemir et al. (2022) reported that the psychological well-being of healthcare providers has implications for patient outcomes and the quality of care delivered. Consequently, addressing depression among nurses at UBTH is important not only for protecting the mental health of the nursing workforce but also for supporting effective healthcare delivery and maintaining patient safety.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The occurrence of depression among nurses, particularly those working in demanding healthcare environments such as the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), presents an important concern for the psychological well-being of healthcare professionals (Tung et al., 2018). Nurses frequently encounter occupational pressures and other challenges that may affect their mental health. Although previous studies have examined stress and psychological difficulties among nurses and other healthcare professionals (Karaca et al., 2019), certain gaps remain in the available literature, making further investigation necessary.
One major concern is the limited availability of specific information regarding the prevalence of depression among nurses working at UBTH. Although previous research has investigated depression among nursing students and individuals in general healthcare environments (Tung et al., 2018; Moxham et al., 2018), these findings may not adequately represent the experiences of nurses employed in this particular teaching hospital. There is therefore a need for a study that focuses specifically on UBTH to establish a clearer understanding of the extent of depression among its nursing workforce.
Another concern relates to the factors that may contribute to depression among nurses in the hospital. Although existing studies have identified occupational stressors and coping approaches among nursing students and healthcare professionals (Karaca et al., 2019; Labrague et al., 2018), further investigation is required to understand the particular challenges experienced by nurses within a tertiary healthcare institution. Factors such as workload, workplace conditions, professional demands, and personal circumstances may influence the psychological well-being of nurses, but their specific relationship with depression among UBTH nurses requires further examination.
There is also insufficient information concerning the coping mechanisms adopted by nurses at UBTH to manage depression and other related psychological difficulties. Coping strategies are important because they can help individuals manage stressful experiences and reduce the negative effects of psychological challenges (Labrague et al., 2018). Investigating the approaches used by nurses within the hospital will provide useful information about the coping practices available to them and help identify areas where additional mental health interventions may be necessary.
In addition, the nature and adequacy of organisational support available to nurses at UBTH in addressing mental health challenges require further attention. Previous studies have emphasised the contribution of institutional support to stress reduction and the promotion of psychological well-being among healthcare professionals (Karaca et al., 2019; Labrague et al., 2018). However, examining the support structures and mental health resources available within UBTH is necessary to determine whether nurses have adequate access to assistance and to identify possible areas for institutional improvement.
Addressing these concerns is essential for developing appropriate, evidence-based interventions that reflect the mental health needs of nurses at UBTH. A better understanding of the prevalence of depression, its associated factors, available coping strategies, and organisational support mechanisms may assist healthcare administrators in creating healthier working conditions, strengthening staff welfare programmes, and improving the quality of patient care.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The general purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of depression among nurses at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). Specifically, the study sought to:
1. Determine the prevalence of depression among nurses at UBTH.
2. Identify the factors associated with depression among nurses at UBTH.
3. Examine the coping strategies adopted by nurses at UBTH in managing depression.
1.4 Research Questions
The following research questions guided the study:
1. What is the prevalence of depression among nurses at UBTH?
2. What factors are associated with depression among nurses at UBTH?
3. What coping strategies do nurses at UBTH employ in managing depression?
1.5 Research Hypotheses
The following hypotheses were presented for testing:
1. There is no significant prevalence of depression among nurses at UBTH.
2. Factors such as workload, working environment, and personal life stressors are not significantly associated with depression among nurses at UBTH.
3. Nurses at UBTH do not significantly utilise coping strategies such as social support, self-care practices, and professional counselling in managing depression.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is important because of its potential contribution to healthcare administration, institutional policy formulation, and the development of mental health support programmes for nurses, particularly those employed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH). By examining the prevalence of depression, the factors associated with the condition, and the coping mechanisms adopted by nurses, the study may provide useful evidence for developing interventions that improve psychological well-being, minimise occupational burnout, and promote greater job satisfaction among nursing professionals.
Determining the prevalence of depression among nurses at UBTH is particularly important because it provides information about the extent of the problem within the hospital. Establishing the magnitude of depression can help healthcare administrators and policymakers understand the mental health needs of the nursing workforce. Such information may also guide decisions concerning resource allocation, staff welfare initiatives, and the development of appropriate interventions that address the specific circumstances of nurses working within the institution.
Furthermore, identifying the factors associated with depression among nurses at UBTH is essential for planning effective preventive measures. Issues such as excessive workload, occupational stress, organisational support, and individual coping practices may influence the psychological health of nurses. Understanding how these factors relate to depression can assist hospital management in identifying workplace challenges, reducing avoidable sources of stress, improving institutional support systems, and creating working conditions that promote better mental health.
The study is also significant because it examines the coping strategies used by nurses at UBTH to manage depression. Appropriate coping mechanisms can help individuals respond more effectively to stressful situations and reduce the psychological effects of demanding work conditions. By identifying the strategies adopted by nurses and examining their usefulness, healthcare institutions may be better positioned to promote resilience, encourage healthy self-care practices, and improve access to professional mental health services. This may also contribute to establishing a workplace culture that recognises the importance of psychological well-being.
In addition, the findings may provide a basis for evidence-informed recommendations concerning healthcare management and institutional mental health policies. These recommendations may include organising mental health education and awareness programmes, providing training on stress management and effective coping techniques, improving access to counselling and other psychological support services, and developing an organisational culture that values the welfare of healthcare personnel. Such measures may contribute to improved staff well-being and more effective healthcare delivery.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This study focuses on nurses working at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), located in Benin City, Nigeria. It examines the prevalence of depression among the nurses using appropriate standardised assessment instruments. It also investigates factors that may be associated with depression, including workload, workplace conditions, and personal life stressors. Furthermore, the study explores the coping strategies employed by nurses to manage depression within the hospital environment. The investigation is therefore limited to the experiences and mental health concerns of nurses working at UBTH.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Depression: A mental health condition characterised by persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, and reduced interest or pleasure in activities that an individual would ordinarily find meaningful or enjoyable.
Prevalence: The proportion of nurses working at UBTH who experience symptoms consistent with depression within a specified period.
Factors Associated with Depression: Conditions or variables, including workload, working environment, personal life stressors, and social support, that may be related to the occurrence or severity of depression among nurses.
Coping Strategies: The methods, behaviours, and practices adopted by nurses to manage psychological distress and reduce the effects of depression. These may include seeking social support, engaging in self-care activities, and obtaining professional counselling.
UBTH (University of Benin Teaching Hospital): A tertiary healthcare institution situated in Benin City, Nigeria, which serves as the setting for this study.
Workload: The volume of duties, tasks, and professional responsibilities assigned to nurses at UBTH during their working shifts.
Work Environment: The physical, social, and organisational conditions within which nurses perform their professional responsibilities at UBTH.
Personal Life Stressors: Challenges and sources of psychological pressure arising outside the workplace that may affect nurses' mental well-being, including family-related difficulties and financial concerns.
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