MAGNITUDE OF DEPRESSION AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONGHIGH AND PREPARATORY PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS IN GONDAR TOWN, NORTH-WEST, ETHIOPIA, 2020.

Abstract

Abstract Background: depression is a significant preventable public health issue; which is prevalent and disabling worldwide. It is common mental illness among teachers and highly prevalent. Despite depression is highly prevalent world wide there is narrow information about teacher’s depression and its associated factor in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess magnitude and associated factors of depression among high and preparatory public-school teachers in Gondar town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020. Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 328 high and preparatory public-school teachers from February to March in Gondar town. Simple random sampling technique was applied for data collection. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Depression declared at teachers with scores of 5 and above in <Patient health questionnaire -9>. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regressions were computed to asses variables were associated with depression. Statistically significant were declared p-value of less than 0.05. Result: The prevalence of depression was found to be 44.7% 95% CI (39, 50). Perceived life stress AOR 2.6 95% CI (1.10, 6.25) moderate and AOR 2.96 95% CI (1.29,7.02) for severe perceive stress , AOR 6.2 95% CI (1.33,29.66) for poor social support , AOR 3.04 95% CI ( 1.75,5.30) for current use substance , AOR .34 95 %CI(.16,71) work experience for 7-14 years and AOR .45 95 % CI (.21,.95) work experience for 15-20 years were significantly associated . Conclusion and recommendation; depression is high among high and preparatory school teachers. There fore it is important to be aware of factors that may be interconnected with depression, such as social support and perceived stress, current substance use and work experience. Intervention has to be carried out by stake holders on perceived stress management, current substance use prevention and mental health promotion in schools.