Abstract:

Background: It is estimated that 14% of adolescents experience mental health conditions globally, with depression being 1.1%among those aged10-14 years and 2.8% for those with 15-19 years. In Sub-Saharan Africa the prevalence of depression among adolescents is estimated to be 22%, while in Ethiopia the prevalence was found to be 22%. There are limited researches done in Tanzania concerning depression among adolescents both in schools and out of school.

Method: The study was conducted in Nyamagana district in Mwanza region in which an institute based cross sectional study was done and a multistage random sampling was done to select schools and participants for the study. A total of 251 participants was recruited, data was collected using PHQ-9 questionnaire and demographic and factors questionnaire. Data was then analysed using SPSS version 23 and results were presented by using percentages, frequencies, tables and graphs.

Results: The results revealed that 22% of participants had depression with loneliness being the major factor associated with depression. 14% had mild to moderate depression, 5.1% had moderate to severe and 2.9% had severe depression. Female were found to be more affected than male participants.

Conclusion: The prevalence of depression among adolescents attending boarding schools in Nyamagana Mwanza was found to be 22% with loneliness being the major risk factor for depression.