Determinants of Mental Disorder Among Adolescents in Selected Secondary Schools in Ibadan North East Local Government, Oyo State

Mental disorder is a public health problem in developed as well as developing countries. It is a psychiatrics’ morbidity with many determining factors responsible for their manifestations. This study therefore assessed the determinants of mental disorder among adolescents in selected secondary schools in Ibadan North-East Local Government, Oyo State. The study adopted a cross-sectional design using two stage sampling selection process with a sample size of 359 selected from six schools (SSS1-SSS3 students). Data was collected using a self-design questionnaire which was pilot tested through test re-test method and yielded a reliability coefficient (index) of 0.90. Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics and chi-square test, at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that negative family environment (Parental substance abuse), family financial constraints, and frequent family conflicts are parental factors that could cause mental disorder in adolescent. In conclusion, the higher the completion of Erikson Identity vs. Role confusion, the lower the tendencies of having mental disorder or vice versa. It was recommended among others that the Government should ensure incorporation of mental health services into school health programs.

Keywords: Adolescents, Determinants, Mental disorders, Secondary schools,