Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Prevalence of severe mental distress and its correlates in a population-based study in rural south-west Uganda
Eugene Kinyanda1, Laban Waswa, Kathy Baisley
1Medical Research Council/Uganda Virus Research Institute, Uganda Research Unit on AIDS, Entebbe, Uganda. Eugene.Kinyanda@mrcuganda.org
Background:
The problem of severe mental distress (SMD) in sub-Saharan Africa is difficult to investigate given that a substantial proportion of patients with SMD never access formal health care.This study set out to investigate SMD and it's associated factors in a rural population-based cohort in south-west Uganda.
Methods:
6,663 respondents aged 13 years and above in a general population cohort in southwestern Uganda were screened for probable SMD and possible associated factors.
Results:
0.9% screened positive for probable SMD. The factors significantly associated with SMD included older age, male sex, low socio-economic status, being a current smoker, having multiple or no sexual partners in the past year, reported epilepsy and consulting a traditional healer.
Conclusion:
SMD in this study was associated with both socio-demographic and behavioural factors. The association between SMD and high risk sexual behaviour calls for the integration of HIV prevention in mental health care programmes in high HIV prevalence settings.
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Long-term Depression
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Depression: Overview