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. 2018 Jun 22;4(4):192-198.
doi: 10.1192/bjo.2018.28. eCollection 2018 Jul.

Common mental disorders and risk factors in rural India: baseline data from the SMART mental health project

Sudha Kallakuri  1 , Siddhardha Devarapalli  2 , Anadya Prakash Tripathi  3 , Anushka Patel  4 , Pallab K Maulik  5
Affiliations

Common mental disorders and risk factors in rural India: baseline data from the SMART mental health project

Sudha Kallakuri et al. BJPsych Open. .

Abstract

Background: About 10% Indians suffer from stress, depression or substance use disorders. Few receive care for these problems, especially in rural areas.

Aims: As part of a broader initiative to deliver technology-enabled mental health services for rural communities (adults ≥18 years), information was collected about the prevalence of depression, anxiety and suicide risk.

Method: The study was conducted in 12 villages in the West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. Additionally, data were collected about sociodemographic factors and stressful events, among others.

Results: Anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation affected 10.8, 14.4 and 3.5% of participants, respectively (N = 22 377). These were more common among women, and among those who were aged 30-59 years, uneducated, or divorced/ separated/ widowed. Stress due to financial loss was significant.

Conclusions: The study identified a significant number of people at risk of depression, anxiety and suicide, and needing care.

Declaration of interest: None.

Keywords: India; Mental health services; common mental disorders; epidemiology; low- and middle-income countries; mental health intervention; rural communities.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Diagram showing population contacted and interviewed.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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