Prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among children and adolescents in Blantyre-Urban, Malawi

Abstract

BackgroundThe 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.ObjectiveTo 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.ResultsThe 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 non-biological 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.ConclusionThe socio-demographic factors associated with the risk of developing mental disorders may be important targets for mental health intervention programs.

The world is coming to an end! COVID-19, depression, and anxiety among adolescents in Malawi

“…Another study on a Chinese population during the COVID-19 epidemic showed more depression and severe anxiety symptoms in females than males ( 41 ). However, these results are contrary to Matandika et al ( 12 ). Matandika et al ( 12 ) found that the prevalence of mental disorders was higher in males than in females.…”

“…However, these results are contrary to Matandika et al ( 12 ). Matandika et al ( 12 ) found that the prevalence of mental disorders was higher in males than in females. Hence, more research is needed in sub-Saharan Africa to understand the scale of adolescent mental health problems.…”

“…They found that the overall prevalence of mental disorders was 5.9% and was higher in males (7.1%) than in females (4.7%). Hence, more research is needed in sub-Saharan Africa to understand the scale of adolescent mental health problems ( 12 ). In addition, untreated depression may lead to adverse effects.…”

“…Despite the lack of adequate evidence in our setting, some research established that among youth aged 12–24 years of age, there is a 20–25% annual risk of having a mental health diagnosis. Therefore, Matandika et al ( 12 ) studied the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) and the factors associated with mental disorders among children and adolescents in Blantyre- Urban, Malawi. They found that the overall prevalence of mental disorders was 5.9% and was higher in males (7.1%) than in females (4.7%).…”

Examining Patient- and Community-Level Factors Associated with Pediatric Mental Healthcare Access Within a Patient Navigation Program

“…Existing research supports risk tiering and pediatric care coordination among children based on community-and household-level factors; however, such research is limited (Swann-Thomsen et al, 2021). Therefore, it is critical for providers to understand the context of the SDOH within the child's household and help connect them with appropriate resources to access necessary care (Fusar-Poli, 2019;Hodgkinson et al, 2017;Matandika et al, 2022). Recent literature emphasizes that screening for SDOH is ineffective without a supportive intervention to facilitate service connection (Dworkin & Garg, 2019;.…”