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Prevalence of major depression in deliberate self-harm individuals in Harare, Zimbabwe

D Chibanda1, M B Sebit, S W Acuda

  • 1Harare Central Hospital, P.O. Box St 1414 Southerton, Harare, Zimbabwe.

East African Medical Journal
|March 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Major depression affects over 20% of individuals who engage in deliberate self-harm (DSH). Key risk factors for DSH include depression, younger age, and a history of previous attempts.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding the prevalence of major depression in DSH populations is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of major depression among individuals presenting with deliberate self-harm.
  • To identify demographic and psychosocial factors associated with major depression in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted.
  • 387 consecutive subjects presenting with DSH at three tertiary health care centers in Harare, Zimbabwe, were recruited.
  • Diagnosis of major depression followed DSM-IV criteria.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of major depression was 20.7% among DSH individuals.
  • Younger age (< or = 30 years) was common in the DSH group (62%).
  • Significant differences were observed between DSH subjects with and without major depression regarding age, education, recent life events, and previous attempts.

Conclusions:

  • Major depression is a significant comorbidity in individuals with DSH.
  • Predictive factors for DSH risk include depression, younger age, recent loss, divorce, job loss, and prior attempts.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the complex causes of DSH.
Abstract

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