Factors Associated with Depression in the Isizulu Speaking Population of South Africa

Thembelihle Q. Luthuli, University of Kwazulu-Natal

Mental health has become an important global public health concern as it has been recognized that mental disorders hinder the functioning and the quality of life of many people worldwide. South Africa has a high burden of disease from mental disorders as it is estimated that one third of South Africans experience mental disorders in their lifetime. Depression is a common mental disorder which high prevalence worldwide and causes ill health and disability. There is a paucity of research on depression in Black population of South Africa. This study focuses on the isiZulu speaking population and the objective was to investigate the demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with depression. The findings of the study suggest that those who are middle aged, those living in rural formal areas and those having a fair perceived health status are more likely to be depressed in the isiZulu speaking population of South Africa.