Mental Health and Urban Living in Sub-Saharan Africa: Major Depressive Episodes among the Urban Poor in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Jacque Kalongosola, Malawi
Dr Chifundo Zimba, Malawi

BACKGROUND The burden of major depressive disorder and its social risk factors in the urban sub-Saharan African population are not well understood and estimates vary widely. We conducted a study in Lilongwe , Malawi , in order to estimate the prevalence of major depressive episodes among adults in this urban setting. METHODS 2,187 adults (aged 15 and over) from the Lilongwe were interviewed regarding their physical and mental health. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), was used among the respondents. RESULTS Major depressive episode prevalence was 95 % among the survey respondents. We found a strong association between major depressive episode and reported chronic health problems and regularly drinking alcohol. CONCLUSION Major depressive disorder is a reality for many urban residents in Malawi and throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Countries in the region should incorporate aspects of mental health prevention and treatment as part of overall approaches to improving health. .