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. 2009 May;99(5 Pt 2):339-44.

The South African Stress and Health (SASH) study: 12-month and lifetime prevalence of common mental disorders

Allen A Herman  1 , Dan J Stein, Soraya Seedat, Steven G Heeringa, Hashim Moomal, David R Williams
Affiliations

The South African Stress and Health (SASH) study: 12-month and lifetime prevalence of common mental disorders

Allen A Herman et al. S Afr Med J. 2009 May.

Abstract

Background: The South African Stress and Health (SASH) study is the first large-scale population-based study of common mental disorders in the country. This paper provides data on the 12-month and lifetime prevalence of these conditions.

Methods: Data from a nationally representative sample of 4351 adults were analysed. Mental disorders were assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). An extensive survey questionnaire detailed contextual and socio-demographic factors, onset and course of mental disorders, and risk factors. Simple weighted cross-tabulation methods were used to estimate prevalence, and logistic regression analysis was used to study correlates of 12-month and lifetime prevalence.

Results: The lifetime prevalence for any disorder was 30.3%, and the most prevalent 12-month and lifetime disorders were the anxiety disorders. The Western Cape had the highest 12-month and lifetime prevalence rates, and the lowest rates were in the Northern Cape.

Conclusions: The SASH study shows relatively high 12-month and lifetime prevalence rates. These findings have significant implications for planning mentalhealth services.

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References

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