DEPRESSION: RISK FACTORS, MEDIA INTERVENTION, AWARENESS AND INFORMED DECISIONS AMONG STUDENTS OF SCHOOL OF NURSING, AGBOR

This study examined depression prevalence, risk factors, media intervention awareness, and informed decisionmaking among nursing students at the School of Nursing, Agbor, to inform evidence-based mental health support strategies. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed with 120 nursing students selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires incorporating validated depression screening tools and digital mental health awareness assessments. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and correlation analyses using SPSS software. Depression prevalence was alarmingly high at 71.7%, with 39.2% experiencing mild depression, 24.2% moderate depression, and 8.3% severe depression. Academic stress emerged as the primary risk factor (74.2%), followed by clinical placement anxiety (63.3%) and sleep disturbances (68.3%). Digital mental health awareness remained limited, with only 15% demonstrating high awareness. WhatsApp was the preferred platform for mental health information (51.7%). Significant associations were found between depression and gender (p=0.041), academic level (p=0.048), and family mental health history (p=0.002). Strong correlations existed between academic stress and depression (r=0.672) and digital awareness and help-seeking behaviour (r=0.524). The study revealed critical mental health challenges among nursing students, necessitating integrated institutional support systems, enhanced digital mental health literacy programmes, and WhatsApp-based intervention strategies to address the identified gaps in awareness and support.