Abstract
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted among 720 adults in 2008. A three-stage sampling procedure was used following a proportionate
stratified random sampling strategy. The outcome measures used in the study were locally validated with Beck Anxiety Inventory
(BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—Civilian Version (PCL-C) and locally constructed
function impairment scale, resources and coping.
stratified random sampling strategy. The outcome measures used in the study were locally validated with Beck Anxiety Inventory
(BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—Civilian Version (PCL-C) and locally constructed
function impairment scale, resources and coping.
Results
Of the sample, 27.5 % met threshold for depression, 22.9 % for anxiety, and 9.6 % for PTSD. Prevalence rates were higher among
women (depression, OR 2.14 [1.52–3.47]; anxiety, OR 2.30 [1.45–3.17] and PTSD, OR 3.32 [1.87–5.89]) and older age categories
(depression, OR 1.02 [1.01–1.04]; anxiety, OR 1.04 [1.03–1.05] and PTSD, OR 1.02 [1.0–1.03]). Respondents who perceived more
negative impact of the conflict (e.g., hampered the business/industry; hindered in getting medical treatment, etc.) in their
communities were more at risk for depression (OR 1.1 [1.06–1.14]), anxiety (OR 1.05 [1.01–1.09]) and PTSD (OR 1.09 [1.04–1.14]).
Other risk factors identified in the study were ethnicity, district of residence and poverty (lack of clothing, medicine and
information via radio at home).
women (depression, OR 2.14 [1.52–3.47]; anxiety, OR 2.30 [1.45–3.17] and PTSD, OR 3.32 [1.87–5.89]) and older age categories
(depression, OR 1.02 [1.01–1.04]; anxiety, OR 1.04 [1.03–1.05] and PTSD, OR 1.02 [1.0–1.03]). Respondents who perceived more
negative impact of the conflict (e.g., hampered the business/industry; hindered in getting medical treatment, etc.) in their
communities were more at risk for depression (OR 1.1 [1.06–1.14]), anxiety (OR 1.05 [1.01–1.09]) and PTSD (OR 1.09 [1.04–1.14]).
Other risk factors identified in the study were ethnicity, district of residence and poverty (lack of clothing, medicine and
information via radio at home).
Conclusion
Overall, the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety in the sample are comparable to, or lower than, other studies conducted
with populations affected by conflict and with refugees. However, the findings underscore the need to address the current
lack of mental health care resources in post-conflict rural Nepal, especially for marginalized populations.
with populations affected by conflict and with refugees. However, the findings underscore the need to address the current
lack of mental health care resources in post-conflict rural Nepal, especially for marginalized populations.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s00127-012-0539-0
- Authors
- Nagendra P. Luitel, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Mark J. D. Jordans, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Ram P. Sapkota, Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT), Kathmandu, Nepal
- Wietse A. Tol, Department of Research and Development, Healthnet TPO, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Brandon A. Kohrt, Transcultural Psychosocial Organization (TPO) Nepal, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Suraj B. Thapa, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Ivan H. Komproe, Department of Research and Development, Healthnet TPO, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Bhogendra Sharma, Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT), Kathmandu, Nepal
- Journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
- Online ISSN 1433-9285
- Print ISSN 0933-7954