Correlates of generalized anxiety disorder and depression among adults in Jigawa State, northwest Nigeria

Despite increasing recognition of their impact, mental health issues such as anxiety and depression remain overlooked in public health, particularly in low-resource settings. These conditions carry significant risks if left unaddressed. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine factors associated with anxiety and depression among 405 adults in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Data were collected using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) instruments. A multi-stage sampling method was employed, and statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 22.0, with significance determined at a p value ≤0.05. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 82 years, with a mean age of 39.2 ± 14.9 years. Approximately 24.7% had chronic medical conditions and were under regular medical follow-up, while 26.7% reported experiencing a past traumatic or adverse event. Over half (52.1%) said they knew someone with a mental health condition. Among those with chronic illnesses, hypertension was the most frequently reported condition (11.6%), and flooding emerged as the most common adverse event (12.3%). The prevalence rates of generalized anxiety disorder and depression were 29.1% and 5.7%, respectively. Anxiety was significantly more common among those with chronic health conditions requiring regular medical visits (47.0%, p < 0.001), cigarette smokers (68.2%, p < 0.001), and individuals using substances other than alcohol or tobacco (69.2%, p < 0.001). Participants without a family history of mental illness were 30% less likely to develop anxiety compared to those with such a history (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.3, 95% CI = 0.2–0.4). Similarly, depression was significantly more prevalent among those with chronic conditions under medical follow-up (10.0%, p < 0.04). Individuals not undergoing regular follow-up were 20% less likely to be depressed compared to those who were (aOR = 0.2, 95% CI = 0.1–0.8). Anxiety and depression in this population were linked to substance use, chronic illnesses, adverse life events—some related to climate change—and a family history of mental illness. Mental health services remain largely inaccessible. Therefore, government and relevant stakeholders should prioritize expanding mental health care, increasing awareness, addressing known risk factors, and ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.