Evaluating the Knowledge of Managing Depression among Nursing Students in Tansian University, Umunya, Oba Campus, Anambra State
Keywords:
Depression management, Mental health literacy, Nursing students, Help-seeking behaviour, StigmaAbstract
Depression is a growing mental health concern among university students, yet many, including nursing students preparing for future clinical roles, demonstrate limited understanding of its recognition and management. This study evaluated nursing students' knowledge of managing depression among undergraduates (200–500 level) at Tansian University, Umunya, Oba Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive design was adopted, using a proportionally stratified sample of 205 students drawn from an accessible population of 420 via Taro Yamane's formula. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire and analysed using frequency and percentage distributions. Findings showed that students possessed moderate to good knowledge of the clinical, medical, and nursing management of depression, including suicide-risk assessment, first-line pharmacological treatment, and therapeutic communication. However, notable gaps remained in knowledge of self-care strategies and adaptive coping mechanisms, with some students still endorsing maladaptive behaviours such as substance use. Stigma, fear of judgement, and confidentiality concerns emerged as major barriers to help-seeking. The study concludes that while nursing students have a reasonable clinical foundation, targeted mental health literacy programmes are needed to strengthen self-care knowledge and reduce stigma-related barriers. Strengthening curriculum content and counselling services is recommended to better prepare nursing students for their own wellbeing and future clinical practice.
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