Depression in primary care: the knowledge, attitudes and practice of general practitioners in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Depression contributes significantly to the global burden of disease in developing countries. Poor case detection and inadequate numbers of mental health staff have been associated with increased morbidity among individuals with depression presenting to primary care. In Nigeria, as in most developing countries, general practitioners (GPs) may fill this treatment gap. The knowledge of and attitudes towards depression among GPs have not been surveyed, hence the need for this study.