INCIDENCE OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONGST YOUNG ADULTS EXPOSED TO ACEs IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been shown to be linked to depression. Investigating this link is important to curb the menace of depression as a mental health disorder in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to examine the incidence of depression among young adults exposed to ACEs. The study was targeted at young adults between the ages of 18 –35 living in ten local government areas of Lagos State Nigeria. A total number of 862 participants were selected using the convenient sampling method. The WHO (ACE-IQ) Adverse Childhood Experience International Questionnaire, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II were administered to determine the level of their exposure to ACEs and the severity of their depressive symptoms. The participants were assessed and categorized in accordance with their levels of depressive symptoms and exposure to ACEs. Only 17.2% reported no depressive symptoms, 59.2% had minimal, 4.2% had mild, 10% had moderate and 9.5% had severe levels of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the results showed that ACEs significantly and positively correlated with depression (r= 0.28, p <.01).This study concluded that exposure to ACEs account for high incidence of depressive symptoms in young adults.   Keywords: depressive symptoms, adverse childhood experiences, young adults.