Prevalence of depression among health workers in Enugu, South East Nigeria.

Aims: Determination of the prevalence and distribution of depression among health workers at tertiary level of health care delivery in Enugu South East Nigeria.

Settings And Design: A cross-sectional descriptive survey of depression in health workers at tertiary level.

Subjects And Methods: By proportional quota sampling, the sample size of 309 was used. Ethical issues were given full consideration. A structured self-administered questionnaire including the Zung self-rating depression scale was used to collect data.

Statistical Analysis Used: Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS statistical package version 15. Statistical significance was considered present when P < 0.05.

Results: The total of 46 of the 309 workers (14.9%) were found to be depressed. Of the health workers found to be depressed, there were more females (18.0%) than males (8.7%). A feeling of sadness over family, living and working conditions was more consistent among the depressed.

Conclusions: The condition of depression is present among health workers in this part of the world. Being a female health worker, may be associated with depression in South East Nigeria. Studies to investigate the determinants and effects of depression in the Nigerian health work force are necessary.