Somatic and cognitive domains of depression in an underserved region of Ecuador: some cultural considerations

Point-Prevalence of Depression and Associated Risk Factors

“…For the depressed group, three items, and one non-significant trend were associated with greater severity as reported by women, and all items are of the somatic-affective factor (Beck et al, 1988). Perhaps it reflects the greater somatic presentation of depressive symptoms in Latin American populations (Yusim et al, 2009). The results of this study coincide with the general literature regarding the greater incidence of depression for women than men, worldwide (Ayuso-Mateos et al, 2001;Bebbington et al, 1998;Gómez-Restrepo et al, 2004;Richards, 2011;Ustün et al, 2004).…”

“…We could not compare this with other studies of students from Latin America as the factor was not investigated, but it compares well to the results from a population sample in another city of Colombia where sleep problems were significantly related to depression (Rueda et al, 2008). Perhaps in the current sample the point concerns the greater presentation of somatic than psychological symptoms which, it has been argued, are more common presentations of depression for non-Western populations (Yusim et al, 2009).…”

Influence of depression, anxiety and stress on cognitive performance in community‐dwelling older adults living in rural Ecuador: Results of the Atahualpa Project

“…However, such assessment might be complicated by cross-cultural factors and illiteracy, which could make some of the most widely-used screening instruments non-reliable. 5 Regional epidemiological surveys could provide useful insights into the impact of psychological distress on cognition in rural populations of developing countries. The relationship between psychological distress, especially depression, and cognitive decline has been extensively evaluated in developed countries, 4 but the effects of this association have been less well studied in most middle-and lowincome countries.…”

“…People living in these regions do not seek medical attention for depression or anxiety, which they considered as a normal part of their lives, or even a proxy for a better socioeconomic status. 5 Regional epidemiological surveys could provide useful insights into the impact of psychological distress on cognition in rural populations of developing countries. In the present study, we take advantage of the uniqueness of the Atahualpa Project to assess the influence of symptoms related to depression, anxiety and stress on the cognitive performance of older adults living in a village that is representative of rural Ecuador.…”

Conducting a desk review to inform the mental health and psychosocial support response to the 2016 Ecuador earthquake

“…When these problems arise, traditional healers (yachactaitas) are consulted. [14][15][16][17][18][19] In contrast, Mestizos, the predominant ethnic group, employ a mixed explanatory model of mental disorders that incorporates elements from both biomedical and supernatural etiological theories. Therefore, Mestizos are more likely to be amenable to receiving western psychiatric and psychological interventions, although not exclusively.…”