Kalayou Kidanu, Mekuria Kassa, Ashenafi Damtie, Alemayehu Bayray, Haftu Berhe, Balem Demtsu
ABSTRACT
Background: Depression goes by many names: Depression, “the blues,” biological depression, major depression or clinical depression. But it all refers to the same thing: feeling sad and depressed for weeks or months on end (not just a passing blue mood). This feeling is most often accompanied by feelings of hopelessness, a lack of energy (or feeling “weighed down”), and taking little or no pleasure in things that gave you joy in the past. The lifetime prevalence of major depressive episode ranges 5 – 17%. Women are more at risk of severe depression. Women are usually affected between the age of 35 and 45 and men over 55. Mental and emotional symptoms are expressed differently at different ages. Adolescents are at a vital transition stage between childhood and adulthood. Their bodies are changing fast with strong feelings of independence and sexuality emerging.
Objective: was to assess Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of depression and associated factors among the students of Mekelle University College of Health Sciences.
Methodology: Institutional based cross sectional study design was conducted using a stratified random sampling method from Feb. 28-Jun 23/ 2011. The study was conducted at Mekelle University, College of health sciences students. The sample size was 290 students. The study area was Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences.
Result: Out of the total 290 respondents, 46.9% were developed depressions. The leading cause to develop depression was an academic problem, separation from family and financial problem. There is an association between sex and age. There is also an association of depression status with the department and batch; whereas religion and ethnicity have no association.
Conclusion-there is new depression due to associated factors such as academic problem 40.4%, financial problem 25.1% & separation from family 23.5% in Mekelle University, College of health sciences students 2003. In addition, to that biological, genetics & Sico-social factors are included.
Key Words: Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and depression