Abstract
The study investigated the manifestation and interpretation of depression among children with intellectual disabilities (ID) within the Hausa-Islamic cultural context of Sokoto State, Nigeria. The study was guided by four research questions and three null hypotheses. A mixed-methods research design was adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The sample comprised 87 pupils with documented intellectual disabilities drawn from a special education school in Sokoto, alongside 14 qualitative key informants (12 caregivers and 2 teachers). Quantitative data were collected using a socio-demographic questionnaire and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia–Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL), adapted in line with the Diagnostic Manual–Intellectual Disability guidelines. Intellectual disability severity was obtained from school records. Qualitative data were generated through semi-structured interviews and ethnographic observations. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were used for quantitative analysis, while thematic analysis was employed for qualitative data. Findings revealed a 19.5% prevalence of depressive disorder. Female gender significantly predicted depression (AOR = 3.80, p < 0.05), whereas severity of intellectual disability showed no significant association. Depression was predominantly manifested through somatic complaints, behavioral changes, and developmental regression. Caregivers interpreted symptoms mainly through religious explanatory models, including divine will (Kaddara) and spiritual attack (Sihir/Tsoro). The study recommended culturally responsive screening tools, structured training in cultural psychiatry for healthcare workers, collaboration with religious leaders, gender-sensitive interventions, and integration of child mental health services into primary healthcare and special education systems.
2026-12-31
Vol. 2 Issue No. 1 December 2025
Articles
Depression, intellectual disability, culture, student, Nigeria
Vol. 2 Issue No. 1 December 2025
/ ArticleDEPRESSION AMONG CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA: ANALYSIS OF PREVALENCE, GENDER RISK, AND CULTURAL EXPLANATORY MODELS
UMAR, Zubairu
Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital kware, Sokoto, Nigeria
zubairu.umar@npmcn.edu.ng
BAGUDA, Sulaiman Abubakar
Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital kware, Sokoto, Nigeria
IBRAHIM, Abdulaziz Hadi
Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital kware, Sokoto, Nigeria
SARKI, Junaidu
Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital kware, Sokoto, Nigeria
SHEHU, Shamsuddeen Nasir
Clinical Services, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital kware, Sokoto, Nigeria