Abstract: Depressive disorders are significant public health issues. They are prevalent, disabling, and often chronic, with a high economic burden to the society. The increase in occurrences of depression is a threat to families as it leads to broken homes, broken relationships (marriages) and even loss of job which in turn affects the economy. The objective of the study is to determine the prevalence of depression among female patients in a psychiatric hospital in Benin City, Nigeria. A retrospective descriptive design was employed in this study. Past records were reviewed from between January 2013 and December 2014. Respondents’ informations were used for descriptive analysis. Graphs, table and chart were then developed to explain the findings more clearly. The study showed that the depression in female patients occurred high in aged between 30-40 years, and in married women. Depression is also shown to be more prevalent amongst female patients who have had no formal education and those who are Christians. Conclusively, an increase in rate of depression was noticed hence there is need for public enlightenment on the causes of depression and how to manage it.Abstract: Depressive disorders are significant public health issues. They are prevalent, disabling, and often chronic, with a high economic burden to the society. The increase in occurrences of depression is a threat to families as it leads to broken homes, broken relationships (marriages) and even loss of job which in turn affects the economy. The objective...Show More
