Prevalence and determinants of depression among a community people during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: In situations beyond their control, individuals often exhibit feelings of despair and diminished motivation, leading to the onset of depression. Consequently, this study seeks to investigate the occurrence and factors influencing depression among the population of St. Kitts and Nevis amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This research study utilized quantitative methods through structured questionnaires distributed via a self-administered online survey using a cross-sectional approach. Sampling encompassed a combination of purposive and snowballing techniques, culminating in a participant pool of 397 individuals. The analysis of data was performed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0. Result: The prevalence of depression overall stood at 65.5%. Female respondents exhibited 2.18 times higher odds of experiencing depression compared to males, while individuals aged 30 to 39 had a 2.80 times higher likelihood of developing depression compared to other age groups. Those earning between 2000 and 5000 had a 2.28 times higher probability of experiencing depression compared to individuals in different income brackets. Moreover, civil servants showed a 3.66 times higher likelihood of experiencing depression, and individuals whose businesses were forcibly closed faced an 18.91 times higher chance of developing depression. Respondents whose lives were significantly impacted by the pandemic exhibited a 4.48 times higher tendency to face mental health challenges compared to those affected differently by COVID-19 consequences. Additionally, 66.1% of respondents believed life should resume normalcy despite the escalating virus cases, based on their perceptions of COVID-19 preventive measures. Conclusion: The government must implement sufficient measures aimed at mitigating the pandemic’s effects to lessen the prevalence of depression.