Understanding How the Distribution of Socio-demographic Factors Impact on Mental Health among University Students in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The health determinant model indicates that socio-demographic factors influences health status and lifestyle behaviours of any population group in any given nation (Dahlgren & Whitehead, 1991). Previous studies have suggested the need to examine how these socio-demographic variables are distributed in a given population. However, few studies have undertaken such investigation, especially among university students in developing countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of some socio-demographic factors among university students in Nigeria and how these variables may relate to depressive symptoms. Objectives: This study intends to examine the distribution of some socio-demographic variables among university students in Nigeria by gender and ethnicity. Method: The study was cross sectional. Full time university students were recruited from six universities within three ethnic groups in Nigeria for the study. Data collection was based on an anonymous questionnaire and the sample size was (n=1549). Descriptive tests, chi-square tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were conducted. Results: Regarding regional characteristics and socioeconomic status, the result indicated sex and ethnicity effects, and irrespective of ethnicity, female students had better monthly income than male students did. The result suggested that students from the Hausa ethnic group reported better monthly income than students from the other ethnic groups. With regard to social support, the result indicated sex*ethnicity effects, where female students from the Hausa and Igbo ethnic groups reported better social support than male students, in contrast to the Yoruba ethnic group, where male students reported better social support than females. With regard to mental health, the result indicated a possible relationship between socio-demographic factors with mental health. Conclusion: The findings indicated that socio-demographic variables such as age, income status, religious affiliation, social support, gender and ethnicity among others may be a pointer for locating health inequalities among youths in Nigeria and consequently may present an appropriate starting point for health interventions.