Prevalence of common mental disorders in southern Brazilian women: a comparison of two population-based studies (2003 vs. 2015).

Abstract

To investigate the prevalence and associated factors of common mental disorders (CMD) in women, and comparing them in two periods, 2003 and 2015. A comparative study was conducted between two surveys with representative samples of women aged 20-60 years residing in southern Brazil. The final sample included 988 and 987 women from the 2003 and 2015 surveys, respectively. The presence of CMD was assessed using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20 ≥ 8) in both surveys. Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate the associations between the outcome (CMD) and variables of interest. The mean age of the participants was 38.5 ± 11.1 years (2003) and 40.3 ± 11.4 years (2015). In 2003, the prevalence of CMD was 33.4% (95%CI: 30.5-36.3) and in 2015, it was 33.7% (95%CI: 30.8-36.7). Over 12 years, no significant differences were observed in the prevalence of CMD, except for a reduction in the prevalence in women of color and physically active. After adjusting, the prevalence ratios of CMD in 2003 and 2015 remained associated with low family income, a higher number of pregnancies, and tobacco use. This study showed a trend toward stability in the high prevalence of CMD among women.