Abstract
BackgroundSince the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, there has been increased international attention to mental health needs throughout the country. The present study represents one of the first epidemiologic studies of depression symptomatology, suicidal ideation, and associated factors in Haiti’s Central Plateau.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, zone-stratified household survey of 408 adults in Haiti’s Central Plateau. Depression symptomatology was assessed with a culturally-adapted Kreyòl version of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were built using backward elimination, with the outcomes being continuous BDI scores and endorsing suicidal ideation, respectively.ResultsThe mean BDI score was 20.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.3-21.5), and 6.13% (N = 25) of participants endorsed current suicidal ideation. Factors associated with BDI scores were: continuous age (adjusted beta [aβ]: 0.14, CI: 0.06-0.22), female gender (aβ: 2.1, CI: 0.18-4.0), suicidal ideation (aβ: 11.1, CI: 7.3-14.9), death in family (aβ: 2.7, CI: 0.57-4.9), and prior life-threatening illness (aβ: 2.6, CI: 0.77-4.5). Education was a risk factor for depression among women but not among men, and employment was a risk factor for both genders. Factors associated with endorsing suicidal ideation were: BDI score (ten point change) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.5, CI: 1.7-3.6), lack of care if sick (aOR: 5.5, CI: 1.1-28.6), alcohol use (aOR: 3.3, CI: 1.3-8.2), and ever having been to a Vodou priest (aOR: 3.2, CI: 1.1-9.5).ConclusionsA large proportion of Haiti’s Central Plateau may be experiencing high levels of depression symptomatology and/or current suicidal ideation. Screening could be conducted in biomedical, religious, and Vodou healing contexts. For prevention, poverty reduction and improved healthcare access are key elements. For treatment, general psychiatric services, psychosocial services for the medically ill and their families, and substance abuse interventions should be explored. Paradoxical associations related to education and employment require further exploration.
Highlights
Since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, there has been increased international attention to mental health needs throughout the country
They represent a large health burden: depression is the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to mental, neurological, and substance-use disorders in both high-income and lowand middle-income countries (LMICs) [17,18], and suicide accounts for one million deaths per year worldwide
Known risk factors can be used to design prevention activities to minimize the incidence, morbidity, and mortality associated with depression and suicide in LMICs such as Haiti
Summary
Since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, there has been increased international attention to mental health needs throughout the country. The earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010 led to a large response by international mental health and psychosocial workers [1]. While the psychological sequelae of the earthquake were the expected focus of attention, the event highlighted chronic unmet mental health needs throughout the country [2,3]. Research on depression and suicide is important for three reasons They represent a large health burden: depression is the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to mental, neurological, and substance-use disorders in both high-income and lowand middle-income countries (LMICs) [17,18], and suicide accounts for one million deaths per year worldwide [19]. Identifying modifiable social risk factors and measuring the impact of poverty, migration, and disasters are among the Grand Challenges in Global Mental Health [18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
