Multilevel Determinants of Common Mental Disorders in Migrant and Non-Migrant Wives in Tajikistan

The purpose of this study was to investigate common mental disorders among Tajik migrant and non-migrant wives in a primary care center. Using a cross sectional design, quantitative surveys using standard questionnaires were administered to 300 married Tajik women aged 18-45 in Dushanbe. Descriptive and multivariate analyses described the demographic and mental health patterns, and comparison of key sub-groups, using Chi-square, T-test and regression. 26% of women in primary care had moderate or severe depression, 17% had moderate or severe anxiety and 20% had moderate or severe PTSD. Lifetime physical or emotional abuse was reported in 22% and women with lifetime physical or emotional abuse had higher depression, anxiety and PTSD scores. Significant multivariate associations predicted the following risk factors: for depression (R²=.40): higher number of people you live with, older age of woman, and migrant husband; for anxiety (R²=.41):more direct trauma and older age of woman; for PTSD (R² =.48):lower number of people you live with, more direct trauma, older age of woman, highernumber of children, non-migrant husband, and lifetime emotional or physical abuse. Mental health interventions are needed in primary care settings for women with common mental disorders, including those exposed to trauma and migration.