Prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among children and adolescents in Blantyre-Urban, Malawi
Malawi med. j. (Online)
; 34(2): 105-110, Jul 11, 2022. Tables
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1398070
Responsible library:
CG1.1
ABSTRACT
The high global prevalence of mental disorders justifies the need to quantify their burden in the sub-Saharan Africa where there is a dearth of information. These mental disorders are linked to different socio-demographic factors. Objective To determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with mental disorders among children and adolescents in Blantyre City, Malawi. Methods:
Children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years were interviewed to determine their socio-demographic characteristics and assess their mental health status using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS). Associations between mental disorders and socio-demographic characteristics were tested using Chi-square and logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence of symptoms of psychopathology on the SDQ was 7.3% (95%CI 4.8-10.5%) while for the K-SADS was 5.9% (95% CI 3.7%-8.9%). The prevalence of mental disorders across the age ranges of 6 to 12 years and 13 to 17 years was 5.4% and 7.9 % respectively. Males had a higher prevalence (7.1%) compared to females (4.7%). Conduct disorder was most prevalent (3.4%), followed by either type of ADHD- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorders (2.0%). Having a single parent (p<0.001), staying with a nonbiological guardian (p<0.030), engaging in paid work (p<0.039), not attending school (p<0.019) and having teacher difficulties(p<0.028) were positively associated with a mental disorder. Conclusion The socio-demographic factors associated with the risk of developing mental disorders may be important targets for mental health intervention programs
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Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
Child Health
/
Prevalence
/
Mental Disorders
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Prevalence study
/
Risk factors
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
Malawi med. j. (Online)
Year:
2022
Type:
Article
Institution/Affiliation country:
Centre for child and Adolescent Mental Health, University of Ibadan College of Medicine, Nigeria/NG
/
Malawi Epidemiology & Intervention Research Unit, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Lilongwe, Malawi/MW
/
Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Malaria Epidemiology Group, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi/MW
/
School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences/MW
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