CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND SUBSTANCE USE AS PREDICTORS OF DEPRESSION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL BOYS IN OWERRI, IMO STATE

Abstract

This study investigated childhood trauma and substance use as predictors of depression among secondary school boys in Owerri. Four hundred (400) participants were selected from four (4) secondary schools within Owerri using convenience sampling method. Participants were aged between 13-15years, with mean age of 14 and standard deviation of 1.02. Three instruments, Symptoms Distress Checklist -90 (SCL-90) subscale D which measures depression, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) were used to test the variables. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey design. Three hypotheses were tested using a two-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Findings of the study indicated that there was a significant inverse relationship between depression and childhood trauma, and an insignificant positive relationship between depression and substance use. This supports the importance of early identification and intervention for individuals who experience childhood trauma. It is therefore recommended that childhood trauma should be regularly assessed by mental health professionals who can implement targeted interventions to mitigate the development of depression in later life. Also, implementation of early intervention programs that target children and adolescents who have experienced childhood trauma or are at risk of engaging in substance use should be encouraged. Again, such interventions should focus on providing psychoeducation, coping skills, and resilience-building strategies to mitigate the impact of trauma and reduce the likelihood of substance use.