Prevalence and determinants of somatization and anxiety among adult women in an urban population in Kerala

Abstract

Background:Common mental disorders (CMDs) such as somatization and anxiety are prevalent in general practice. These are twice more common in women.Objectives:The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence and determinants of somatization and anxiety among adult women in an urban population of Kochi.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1210 adult women of Kochi in 2016–2017. The Patient Health Questionnaire-15; the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 questionnaire; the Hurt, Insult, Threaten, and Scream tool; and a semi-structured questionnaire were used to estimate the prevalence of somatization and anxiety. Descriptive statistics and univariate and multivariate analysis were done for factors associated with CMDs.Results:Most of the respondents were married (77.7%), with a mean age of 45.24 ± 15.59. In the current study, 40.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] =38.09–43.62) had somatization and 23.9% (95% CI = 21.57–26.37) had anxiety disorders. In the final logistic regression model, hypertension, perception of illness, positive family history of mental illness, and arthritis were the four determinants common to somatization and anxiety. Menstrual problems (odds ratio [OR] =3.19; 95% CI = 1.12–5.9), cardiac illness (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.08–4.9), and history of major surgeries (OR = 1.62; 95% CI = 1.14–2.41) were independent determinants of somatization. The status of being single (OR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.25–2.32), adverse life circumstances (OR = 5.85; 95% CI = 3.98–8.6), diabetes (OR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.25–3.34), sleep problems (OR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.77–2.91), and history of drug use (OR = 4.89; 95% CI = 1.92–12.46) were independent determinants of anxiety.Conclusion:Mental health services for urban women deserve immediate attention as the prevalence of somatization and anxiety is high. Hence, it is important to screen for somatization and anxiety among women with noncommunicable diseases.

Somatic symptom disorders and utilization of health services among Palestinian primary health care attendees: a cross-sectional study

“…They revealed a strong association, increasing in strength, with an increasing number of chronic diseases diagnosed in a single person [ 20 , 27 ]. For example, a large population-based study found a strong association between heart attacks and the history of major surgeries and SSD [ 18 ]. SSD, on the other hand, was the most common co-morbid mental disorder associated with chronic disease and the one most implicated in poorer prognosis, increased use of health care, higher cost of health care, and more inadequate compliance with treatment [ 20 , 28 , 29 ].…”

Somatic Symptom Disorders and Utilization of Health Services among Palestinian Primary Health Care Attendees: A Cross-sectional Study

“…17,24 For example, a large population-based study found a strong association between heart attacks and the history of major surgeries and SSD. 25 SSD, on the other hand, was the most common co-morbid mental disorder associated with chronic disease and the one most implicated in poorer prognosis, increased use of health care, higher cost of health care, and more inadequate compliance with treatment. 17,26,27 A statistically signi cant relationship between SSD and depressive disorder has been shown in several studies.…”

The burden of mental health illnesses in Kerala: a secondary analysis of reported data from 2002 to 2018

“…Studies have examined the point prevalence of mental health disabilities in the state [ 1 , 10 – 12 ]. The lack of epidemiological and community-based surveys analysing risk factors and documenting the impact of interventions is a major constraint to understanding mental health challenges in the state [ 13 ], particularly over time.…”