Depression during Covid-19 Pandemic among Adult Members in a University Community in Nigeria

A Mixed Methods Survey

Abstract

COVID-19 Pandemic necessitated implementation of restriction measures such as self isolation or social distancing. These measures unprecedentedly increased the risk of mental health problems, such as depression among diverse population. Thus, the study investigated the potential correlates of COVID-19 experience and relative depression among a sample of Adult members in a university community in Nigeria. Two research questions and a hypothesis guided the study. The research methods adopted was Mixed Methods sequential explanatory design. The sample of the study is 183 respondents. A structured questionnaire and an structured interview guide were used for data collection. The instruments were developed by the researchers and validated by three experts. The internal consistency reliability coefficient was determined using Cronbach Alpha statistics and Reliability of 0.84 was obtained. Data was analyzed using mean and standard deviation and Pearson moment correlation coefficient was used to test the hypothesis. Meanwhile, qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Result showed a positive correlation between the COVID-19 pandemic and the occurrence of depression among adults [r = 0.715; P<0.0001]. The study showed that the experience of the covid-19 pandemic is associated with depression among adults in the university Community, of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The findings derived from content analysis on qualitative data showed re-emerging themes of depression linked to financial difficulty, letdown in educational expectancy, strained family relationships and access to health care services related to COVID-19 outbreak. There is need for urgent intervention through financial aid and public healthcare by the government.