Prevalence of Common Mental Disorders and Associated Factors among Adults in Kombolcha Town, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Mental illness is becoming an emerging issue in Ethiopia. In view of this, Ethiopian ministry of health formulated mental health strategic plan from 2012/13-2015/16. However, there is scarcity of information, especially from small towns, which assist policy maker’s efforts in reforming mental health care. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of common mental disorders and factors associated with them. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was undertaken from March to April 2013 in Kombolcha town. A total of 526 residents were selected using two-stage sampling technique. Of these, 512 were participated in this study. Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) was used to determine the prevalence of common mental disorders. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were considered. Results: The prevalence of common mental disorders was found to be 32.4% (95% CI: 30.3-34.5%). Female sex (AOR=1.71 95% CI: 1.01-2.89), no formal education (AOR=6.16 95% CI: 2.34-16.23) and low level of education (first cycle primary school (AOR=2.23 95% CI: 1.15-4.33) and second cycle primary school (AOR=2.01 95% CI: 1.01-4.38)) were significantly associated with common metal disorders. Having small family size (AOR=2.93 95% CI: 1.37-6.25), family history of mental illness (AOR=3.92 95% CI: 2.05-7.51), living with chronic illness (AOR= 2.61 95% CI: 1.45- 4.68) and active smoking (AOR=5.99 95% CI: 2.45-14.68) were significantly associated with common mental disorders. Experiencing one stressful life event (AOR=4.77 95% CI: 2.37-9.62) and two or more stressful life events (AOR=10.55 95% CI: 5.63-19.77) had significant association with common mental disorders. High level of emotional support reduces the likelihood of occurrence of common mental disorders by half. Conclusion: This study had demonstrated that common mental disorders are major public health problems. Female sex, low educational status, small family size, family history of mental illness, smoking, chronic illness, lack of emotional support and stressful life events are independent predictors. To improve the mental status of the community; there is a need of stress management practice and screening mechanism at the primary health care level. Moreover, improving educational status, women’s social position and social network of the community is beneficial.