Abstract
Abstract:

Background: By the turn of the decade, depression is expected to become the leading cause of disease burden. Understanding the burden of this disorder in a psychiatric hospital setting will aid in allocating resources for effective management.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the proportion of patients in the outpatient unit of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital (FNPH) Maiduguri being managed for depression, as well as the socio-demographic factors associated with depression.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on all patients attending the outpatient clinic of FNPH Maiduguri from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2012. Case notes of patients diagnosed with depression, containing complete bio-data, diagnosis, and treatment regimen, were included.

Results: A total of 26,374 patients attended the clinic, of which 1,369 (5.2%) were diagnosed with depression. The average age at presentation was 34.5 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1:2. Factors significantly associated with depression included sex (n=935, 68% vs 434, 32%; p<0.001), literacy (n=811, 59.2%; p<0.001), and occupation (n=913, 66%; p<0.001).

Conclusion: Depression is a common presentation in the outpatient clinic. Social factors are significantly related to depression, highlighting the importance of incorporating social treatment as part of therapy.

Keywords: depression, psychiatric hospital, socio-demographic factors, outpatient clinic, Nigeria

Key words: Key words: Associated factors, depression, out-patient clinic, Maiduguri