Desiree M Seponski1, Cindy J Lahar2, Sareth Khann3, Sovandara Kao3, Tanja Schunert4. 1. a Department of Human Development and Family Science , University of Georgia , Athens , GA , USA. 2. b Department of Social Sciences , University of South Carolina Beaufort , Bluffton , SC , USA. 3. c Department of Psychology , Royal University of Phnom Penh , Phnom Penh , Cambodia , and. 4. d Children and Adolescents' Psychiatry , Eutin , Germany.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reliable population-based epidemiological data of Cambodian mental health is lacking. AIMS: This study identifies the prevalence of and factors associated with anxiety, depression and PTSD in Cambodian adults. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of Cambodian adults (N = 2690) was interviewed utilizing the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (assessment of PTSD symptoms) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (assessment of symptoms of anxiety and depression). RESULTS: Respondents expressed high rates of anxiety (27.4%), depression (16.7%) and PTSD (7.6%). Correlations between symptoms and sociodemographic markers varied in significance. Women had significantly higher rates of mental health symptoms than men. Women who were in debt, widowed or divorced and had low levels of education were the most likely to report symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can inform Cambodian mental health policies and development strategies, especially targeting the most vulnerable groups.
BACKGROUND: Reliable population-based epidemiological data of Cambodian mental health is lacking. AIMS: This study identifies the prevalence of and factors associated with anxiety, depression and PTSD in Cambodian adults. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of Cambodian adults (N = 2690) was interviewed utilizing the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (assessment of PTSD symptoms) and the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 (assessment of symptoms of anxiety and depression). RESULTS: Respondents expressed high rates of anxiety (27.4%), depression (16.7%) and PTSD (7.6%). Correlations between symptoms and sociodemographic markers varied in significance. Women had significantly higher rates of mental health symptoms than men. Women who were in debt, widowed or divorced and had low levels of education were the most likely to report symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: These findings can inform Cambodian mental health policies and development strategies, especially targeting the most vulnerable groups.
Authors: Kyler S Knapp; Ulziimaa Chimed-Ochir; Hannah B Apsley; Sothy Eng; Gregory M Fosco; H Harrington Cleveland Journal: Dev Psychol Date: 2022-04-28