Common mental disorders among primary care attenders in Vellore, South India: nature, prevalence and risk factors

Abstract

Objective: The study examined the nature and prevalence of and the factors associated with common mental disorders in primary care in Vellore, South India.

Method: Consecutive attenders (N = 327) to a primary health care facility were recruited.

Results: One hundred and eleven (33.9%) subjects satisfied criteria for common mental disorders. Depression was the common presentation (83.8%). Indicators of low socio-economic status (being in debt, inability to buy food, having less than three square meals per day) and illiteracy were significantly associated with caseness.

Conclusions: Subjects with common mental disorders are commonly seen in primary health care settings. Illiteracy and poverty are associated with caseness. Primary health care research and policy needs to focus on common mental disorders.