Depression and Alcohol Use Disorder Co-Morbidity among Undergraduate Students in University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Vulnerable developmental stage is encountered by university undergraduate students, where substantial changes happen in their body, brain, environment and socialization. This may result to increased vulnerability to develop addiction, alcohol use disorder and mental health disorders. Alcohol use disorderand Depression both pose problems in public health.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and the socio-demographic correlates of alcohol use disorder and depression co-morbidity among undergraduate.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Lulu Briggs Health Centre of the University of Port Harcourt. Systematic sampling technique was used to recruit 420 respondents.Validated tools of Alcohol Use disorder Identification Inventory (AUDIT) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)were used to obtain information on depression and alcohol use disorder respectively from each of the respondent.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 23.59 (±5.2) years. A total of128 (30.5%) had alcohol use disorder, 205 (48.8%) had depression, and 22.4% (n=94) had co-morbid depression and alcohol use disorder. There was no significant relationship between socio-demographic findings and co-morbidity of depression and alcohol use disorder.

Conclusion: About 2 in10 undergraduates experience co-morbidity of depression and alcohol use disorder. Multi-strategy interventions comprising ofpolicyand educationaltactics to address these problems are advocated.