Abstract
BackgroundNursing students are highly susceptible to depression given the heavy workload and clinical demands of the curriculum. Depression has negative impacts on their health and academic performance. This study aimed to determine the determinants of depression amongst nursing students in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of 447 nursing students recruited from a combination of state-owned and private nursing institutions in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon from January – April 2018 was carried out. Independent correlates of depression were determined using multivariable regression analysis, with the level of significance set at 95%.ResultsThe overall prevalence of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 > 4) and major depressive disorder (Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 > 9) in these students was 69.57 and 26.40% respectively. Independent correlates of depression were found to be: total Oldenburg Burnout Inventory score (aOR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.25; p value < 0.01); level of studies (aOR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.55, 0.94; p value = 0.02) and occurrence of a life-changing crises (aOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.28, 3.55, p value < 0.01).ConclusionThe prevalence of depression amongst nursing students in Cameroon is high. Determinants proposed in this study require further assessment to facilitate early identification and management of depression in this high-risk group, in order to limit the negative effects linked with the condition.
Highlights
Nursing students are highly susceptible to depression given the heavy workload and clinical demands of the curriculum
In a previous analysis within this same population of nursing students, we identified that the predictors of burnout syndrome were satisfaction with results and regret of choice of studies [7]
The participants were divided into four levels of studies: Year one (27.75%), Year two (39.73%), Year three (20.54%) and Year four (11.96%)
Summary
Nursing students are highly susceptible to depression given the heavy workload and clinical demands of the curriculum. Nursing students find themselves constantly shuffling their schedule due to clinical practice rotations, night shifts and heavy workload during their studies. They are exposed to great levels of prolonged stress. Depression has a considerable negative impact on the academic performance of nursing students. Identification of depressed students could prove key in limiting the negative consequences of depression, emphasizing the need for mental health facilities within nursing institutions. These facilities should be available for regular evaluation of students and the prompt management of affected ones. There are inadequate mental health assistance services for health professionals and nursing students
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