The prevalence of mental disorders among children, adolescents and adults in the Western Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Objective: To provide estimates of the prevalence of selected mental disorders in the Western Cape, based on the consensus achieved by a working group established for this purpose. Method: An expert working group was established to provide technical expertise for the project. Potential risk factors likely to influence local prevalence rates were identified. Annual prevalence rates for adults and for children and adolescents were derived by consensus, informed by a systematic literature review. Prevalence rates were derived for individual disorders and adjusted for comorbidity. Results: The overall prevalence was 25.0% for adults and 17.0% for children and adolescents. Conclusion: Prevalence rates of child, adolescent and adult mental disorders were derived in a short period of time and with the use of minimal resources. Although of unknown validity, they are useful for policy development and for planning service utilisation estimates, resource costing and targets for service development for local mental health needs. This in the absence of an existing methodologically sound national prevalence study. We recommend that policy and programme developers draw on the expertise of local academics and clinicians to promote research-informed planning and policy development in the public sector.

Epidemiology of Childhood Mental Illness: A Review of U.S. Surveillance Data and the Literature

“…With 14% of the global disease burden attributed to neuropsychiatric disorders, 1 in 17 people have a serious mental health condition [12]. Roughly, 10% to 20% of children are affected by one or more mental or behavioral problems [13], with estimates from the Western Cape region of South Africa of 17% that have a mental disorder [14]. In conflict areas such as Mosul, Iraq the prevalence of mental illness can be 35% whereas only 15% to 30% of children worldwide receive the treatment they need [15] [16].…”

The school as a setting for child and adolescent mental health interventions

“…To fill this gap, an expert task team was convened in the Western Cape to compile estimates of prevalence rates of mental disorders for children, adolescents and adults in that province. 1 Co-morbidity adjusted annual prevalence rates were derived by consensus.…”

Mental Health Stigma: What is being done to raise awareness and reduce stigma in South Africa?

“…2 Similar prevalence estimates have been found among children and adolescents. 3 Stigma plays a major role in the persistent suffering, disability and economic loss associated with mental illnesses. Persons with mental illnesses are often victimized for their illnesses and face unfair discrimination, such as difficulties accessing housing, employment, and other societal roles.…”